Carl Dean Gerrish, 84, of Patoka, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital. He was born on July 26, 1942, in Carrigan Township, the son of Charles and Iva (Huddleston) Gerrish. He married his sweetheart, Rebecca Ann “Becky” Murray, on July 29, 1960, in Rapid City, SD, and she survives him in Patoka.
Along with his beloved wife of sixty-six years, Becky Gerrish, survivors include his daughter, Carla Gerrish of Patoka; three grandchildren, Levi (Amber) Gerrish, Mandy (Joe) Nicholson, and Hannah Smith; five great-grandchildren; sister, Wanda Edwards of CA; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Rosemary McKeon, Maxiene Gerrish, Virgil Gerrish, and Walter Gerrish; brother-in-law, Stanley Edwards; and his son, Richard Gerrish.
Mr. Gerrish was proud to serve in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was highly active in the community, a member of the Patoka American Legion, and the Hiram Masonic Lodge #503 4th Southern District of the State of Illinois-Sandoval, Patoka, Odin. Carl’s home lodge was Rapid City Lodge #25 in South Dakota. He was an Ainad Shriner, Scottish Rite, Northern Division. Carl was privileged to honor fellow Masonic brothers by performing rites in over two hundred Masonic funeral services.
Carl was a wonderful provider for his family, working at Marathon for many years until his retirement. He looked forward to sharing a meal with his family and helping supervise the kitchen. A devoted and loving husband, throughout he and Becky’s marriage, Carl stood faithfully by his wife’s side as a compassionate caregiver during her later years of declining health. He was the best father and grandfather and was so proud of his children and grandchildren. Carl was loyal, well-respected, generous, and kind. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the Patoka First Baptist Church. Masonic Rites will be accorded at 2:30 p.m., with a Shriner’s walk-through to follow. Interment will follow at Patoka City Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by the Patoka American Legion Post 543. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the visitation from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Memorials may be made in Carl’s honor to Hiram Masonic Lodge #503 4th Southern District of the State of Illinois or Scottish Ainad Shrine. Online condolences and memories of Carl may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Day Macz Funeral Home in Patoka is privileged to be assisting the family of Carl Gerrish with arrangements.
