Gerald Carolan

Gerald “Jerry” Carolan, 88, of Greentop, MO, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, Illinois on August 5th, 2023.

Jerry was born July 28th, 1935, in Quincy, IL, to John Marion “Hap” and Catherine (Heisler) Carolan, the second son of eight children.  He attended Mendon Elementary and High School and graduated with the Unity High School Class of 1953.  After graduating high school, Jerry joined the United States Marines Corp and served tours in Japan and South Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1957.  He then came back to Mendon and engaged in farming with his father, Hap and later with his brother James. 

In August of 1962, Jerry was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Gallamore Padavic and they had three children.

In 1976 Jerry and his brother James purchased a farm in Greentop, Missouri and eventually Jerry  was able to build a home and a great life on the farm. He and his brother Jim enjoyed many years of farming both the family farm in Mendon, and the farm in Missouri.

 In November of 1978, Jerry was united in marriage to Karen McElroy and they had four children.

Jerry enjoyed farming with his brother and son, Dustin, scenic drives, and watching NASCAR and sprint car races. He was fond of spending time with his grandchildren and his many "adopted" grandchildren, Linnea, Lily, Dylan, Garrett, Wyatt, Conner and Cayden, especially taking them on tractor and combine rides on the farm. His favorite words of wisdom were to only trust people under the age of 8 or over the age of 80 since they're the only ones who will tell you the truth.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Karen, of 44 years; his children, Vicki Padavic (Chris Ahart) of Florida, Tony (Peggy) Padavic of Mendon, IL, Dianna (Rodney) Adkison of Jefferson City, MO, Jessie Schoonover of Kirksville, MO, Dustin (Jessica) Carolan of Mendon, IL, Camrion (Brad) Wheeler of San Diego, CA, Shanelle (Ted) Zderic of Missouri City, TX. Nine grandchildren, Taylor Schoonover, Allie, Devon, and Bellamy Carolan, Ezra and Hudson Zderic, Oscar Wheeler, and Danielle Comes and Paige Padavic.  Three great grandsons, Spencer, Everett, and Winston Comes. One brother, James Carolan of Mendon, IL, two sisters, Ruth (Joe) Hagan of Monroe City, MO, Rita Carolan (Phil Hagan) of the Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, John Marion “Jack”, Gene, Edwin and Kenny Carolan; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation for Jerry will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Triplett Funeral Home in Mendon, IL.   

Graveside Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 11, 2023, at Franklin Cemetery in rural Mendon, IL.

 In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Adair County Food Pantry and Greentop Volunteer Fire Association. 

Condolences may be left for the family at www.triplettfuneralhomes.com