Gerald D. "Jerry" French, 77, of Jacksonville, IL, died Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

He was born February 6, 1947, in Beardstown, IL, the son of Dorothy (French) Hembrough. Jerry married Deborah "Debbie" Cochran, and she survives.

He is also survived by one son, Jerry Alan (Michelle) French of Jacksonville, FL; granddaughter, Samantha (Sergio) Velasco of San Diego, CA; great-grandchildren, Lucas and Lilith Velasco; and two sisters, Rebecca S. "Becky" (Leonard "Lenny" G.) Whited and Mary H. (Jerry) Dixon, both of Jacksonville, IL. He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Dorothy and Ralph Hembrough; son, Michael French; and brother, Earl Wilcox.

He was a Vietnam War Veteran, serving in the U.S. Army. After serving for 20 years, he became a Civil Servant for the Army. Jerry was a lifetime member of the VFW.

After retiring, he spent his summers enjoying his RVs. He loved riding motorcycles and piddling in his workshop. Jerry also enjoyed fishing. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

A funeral service will be held 12 Noon, Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends at the funeral home in Jacksonville from 11 am – 12 pm, prior to the service. A burial with military honors will follow the service at Beardstown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or the American Cancer Society. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.