Jerry Wm. Hite, 79, of Danville, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House, West Burlington. He was born Jan. 6, 1946, in Freeport, Ill. to George R. and Bernadine E. Carpenter Hite. On Dec. 4, 1971, he married Cheryl “Sherri” Garrels in Burlington.
He was a 1964 graduate of Burlington High School and earned a robotics degree from Indian Hills Community College. He was a skilled tradesman working for J.I. Case Company in the Experimental Department from June 1974 until June 2008. He was a member of New London Christian Church.
Jerry loved hunting and being outdoors; was a voracious reader; loved John Wayne and watching old westerns; working on computers; was a black belt in karate; and especially enjoyed visiting with his many friends.
Besides his wife, Jerry is survived by his daughter Allison (Dusty) Furnald of Danville; and his grandchildren Alexis Hite and Kenna and Karlee Furnald. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Travis Hite; his father and mother-in-law Earl and Doris Garrels; and brothers-in-law David Garrels and Darrell Becker.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 1, 2025, at Elliott Chapel, New London, with Pastor Rod Cooper officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am with the family receiving friends from 10:00 until the time of the service. According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials have been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice and the Danville Fire Department.