Jerry Thayne Fenton Sr., of Burlington, died Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at home. Jerry was born in Plano, Iowa, the son of Doris Fenton and Ruth Fenton Stigge. On Jan. 9, 1965, he married Linda Kay Shepherd in Burlington.
Jerry was raised in the Centerville, Iowa, area. He was a proud union laborer at American Ordinance for 45 years.
Jerry was everyone’s favorite! Favorite brother, favorite uncle, favorite cousin, favorite friend, and the BEST dad! His kid’s longtime friends always called him dad. Until his brother Verle’s passing, Jerry could always be found by his side. Jerry loved his family and attended all his grandchildren’s events. One of his favorite things to do was pick up his granddaughter Lily every day from school, until she was old enough to drive.
Jerry enjoyed watching NASCAR to the annoyance of his wife, whom he adored and was a wonderful caretaker to. They enjoyed watching old westerns together. He and Linda celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in January. He loved his home and liked working in his yard, where he planted many beautiful trees. He could also be found in one of his garages watching his buddy Jeff work on his many vehicles.
Those who are left to share his legacy include his wife; his children: Jerry Fenton Jr., Jennifer Schuster (Ed Pence), and Julie “Birdy” Fenton (Rebecca), all of Burlington. Two grandchildren: Samantha (John) Butts of Salem, Iowa, and Lily Schuster of Waterloo, Iowa. Three great grandchildren: Roselea, Wyatt, and Lane Butts. Brother: Gary Fenton (Janice) of Burlington. Brothers-in-law Marion Main of Moravia, Iowa and Tim Shepherd of Keithsburg, Illinois. Sisters-in-law Dana Shepherd of Colo, Iowa and Margie Shepherd Reed of Parkersburg, WV. Ex-son-in-law Joe Schuster. Close cousin, David Fenton (Jean) of Moravia, Iowa and honorary son Jeff Brewer of Burlington, Iowa. Several loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Harry Stigge; brother Verle Fenton, sisters Marjorie McVey and Bonnie Main; brothers-in-law Bobby Shepherd and Dr. Donald Shepherd; and sisters-in-law Frances Fenton and Vicki Shepherd.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 at Lunning Chapel where the family will receive friends. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 7 at Lunning Chapel. Burial will be held in Aspen Grove Cemetery.