Obituary of Gerald Don Cherry, Jr.
Age 66 of Joliet, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2020, at Amita Health Saint Joseph Medical Center. Don was born in Seminole, TX on July 9, 1953, to Gerald Sr. and Marca (Sloan). He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy and a longtime Joliet Resident. Don was a graduate of Lincoln Land Community College and Sangamon State University. In retirement, he enjoyed transporting area students on the school bus for Grand Prairie Transit.
Don lived life to the fullest-socializing with friends, drinking beer, playing pool, and singing karaoke. He was a great cook, winning multiple chili cook-offs. He was a generous man who enjoyed spoiling his grandkids and was always available to lend a helping hand to friends, family, and neighbors. One of his favorite pastimes was bragging about his children and grandchildren, all of whom he adored and loved.
Don is survived by Jo Page, who was his light and savior. The love and friendship they shared were inspirational. He is survived by his two children, of whom he was so proud and loved deeply, Kimberly (David) Vogt and David (Tara Barnes) Cherry; grandchildren Jonathan and Helena Vogt and Ethan, Jaedyn, and McKenna Cherry; siblings Steve (Sandy) Cherry and Sherry Ridens. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ruthann Cherry.
As a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic, funeral services for Gerald “Don” Cherry Jr. will be held privately by the family. The family has requested to live stream the services of their loved one on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. Please click on this link https://youtu.be/MIBFPLSoqXk and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers, and connection are. Private interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Don’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/, Wounded Warriors Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fred C. Dames Funeral Home. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or you may visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can leave a condolence or share a special memory.
