Gerald H. Whitley, Sr., 84, of Du Quoin, passed away at 7:40 A.M., Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at his residence.

Gerry worked for over thirty years in the coal mines and retired from Kathleen Arch Minerals Mine as a mine manager.  After retirement, he went on to own and operate Whitley Electric in Du Quoin.
Gerry attended Du Quoin High School, where he played football and was a member of the 1961 IIAC championship team.  After graduation, he walked on to the football team at SIU Carbondale and went on to earn a scholarship.

Gerry served as a police commissioner for the Du Quoin Police Department and was also a Perry County Deputy Sheriff.  He was a member of First Baptist Church in Du Quoin.  Gerry was a 32nd Degree Mason and a Shriner.  He was a member of UMWA.  Gerry lived by common sense, facts, and logic.

He was born October 4, 1942 in Du Quoin, IL, the son of Herschel and Evelyn (Baggett) Whitley.   He married Marsha M. Krone on August 10, 1962 in Du Quoin and she preceded him in death on August 4, 2024.

He is survived by five children - Cindy Swayne and husband Bruce of Shawnee, KS, Sherry O'Brien and husband Jim of Webster Groves, MO, Denise Harrison and husband Kevin of Du Quoin, Gerald H. Whitley, Jr. and wife Laura of Du Quoin, and Jeff Whitley and wife Tara of Herrin, two siblings - Jim Whitley and wife Cindy and Barb Little and husband John, all of Du Quoin, eleven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and two on the way, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one sister and brother-in-law - Kay and Richard Thompson, father-in-law and mother-in-law - Harley and Pauline Krone and his loving companion dog - Callie.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, October 19, 2026 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.  Friends may call from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin. Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin. Friends may make memorials to NubAbility Athletics Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home.