Jerry Kenneth Harwell, of Harviell, Mo., passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018. He was three days shy of being 81 years old. Jerry was surrounded by family in the home of his granddaughter, Kayleigh Abner when he entered Heaven's gates.
Jerry was born in Williamsville, Mo on Feb. 14, 1937 to Gertrude and Fred Harwell. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Shirley Jean Harwell, his son Bobby Gene Harwell, his mother, Gertrude Harwell Birdsong, father Fred Harwell and brother Carroll Harwell.
Jerry was retired from the Pipeline/Operating Engineers #324 and was also a well-loved area car salesman. He worked with his brother Carroll for many years as part of the P.B. Auto Sales team. Jerry was a hardworking man with a kind heart and never met a stranger. He was always willing to help anyone in need.
Jerry was a genuine St. Louis Cardinal's fan and ensured that his children were raised properly by sharing his passion for the Cardinals and baseball. He loved REAL country music, with his radio always set to the Eagle's 97.5. He and his late wife Shirley loved feeding their family and made sure no one ever went hungry. Jerry was also an avid cleaner, always ensuring his home and car were spotless as well as anywhere he lodged while traveling. He enjoyed mowing his lawn and always made sure his yard was well kept.
Jerry is survived by his wife Rita (White) Harwell of Poplar Bluff; two sons, Jerry Lynn Harwell and Brian Steven Harwell of Poplar Bluff; three daughters, Angela Marlene Gunter of Poplar Bluff, Teresa Ann Lewis of Fisk and Michelle Lee Walker of Cummings, Kans.; five granddaughters, Kiley Nicole Lewis, Natasha Ann Sentell, Ashely Elise Walker, Kayleigh Danielle Abner, Hillary Danielle King, Briana Michelle Succaw; two grandsons, Brian Keith Harwell and Jason Lee Harwell; two great-granddaughters; four great-grandsons; two brothers, Fred Harwell and JC Harwell; five sisters, Velma Carter, Betty Pyle, Barbara Lundry, Lana Adair and Darlene McCouch; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will begin at 10 am. Wednesday in the funeral chapel with Pastor David Groves officiating. Jerry will be laid to rest alongside his wife and son in Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the funeral. Afterwards a celebration of Jerry's life will take place at his granddaughter Kayleigh Abner's home on what would have been his 81st birthday.
Memorials donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association - Greater St. Louis Chapter, 1415 Elbridge Payne Road, Ste. 150, Chesterfield, MO 63017.
Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Jerry K. Harwell.
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