Gerald "Jerry" L. McWhorter, age 68, of Effingham, Illinois passed away at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2019 at his home.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Pagel Funeral Homes in Edgewood, Illinois. There will be a one-hour viewing prior to the service. Bryan Newswander will be officiating. Burial will be at Loy Chapel Cemetery in Heartville, Illinois. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at Pagel Funeral Homes in Edgewood, Illinois. Memorials may go to Pagel Funeral Homes to assist with funeral expenses or the donor's choice.

Jerry was born on December 12, 1950 in rural Dieterich, Illinois, the son of James R. and Thelma L. (Campton) McWhorter. He was a member of the Effingham Assembly of God. He enjoyed tinkering with things, tractor pulling, fishing, four-wheeler riding, hunting, dancing, spending time in the outdoors and with his family and friends.

He is survived by his four sons, Jerry G. McWhorter (significant other Deb Kruger) of Altamont, Illinois, Jimmy Devore (wife Tammy) of Beecher City, Illinois, Kevin McWhorter (wife Rebecca) of Edgewood, Illinois, and Michael McWhorter of Edgewood, Illinois; two daughters, Theresa Campbell (husband Brett) of Dieterich, Illinois and Mindy Sizemore (husband Shane) of Colon, Michigan; two step-children, Crystal Lovett (husband Brian) of Edgewood, Illinois and Jake Kramer of Watson, Illinois; two brothers, Billy McWhorter (wife Patty) of Xenia, Illinois and Larry McWhorter (wife Brenda) of Dieterich, Illinois; sisters, Leona Butts of Michigan, Lucille Tarpley of Flora, Illinois, and Cleta Colclasure of Farina, Illinois; 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Thelma McWhorter; two brothers, Lonnie McWhorter, Jim McWhorter; one sister, Eda Cook.