Jerry Starnes

Jerry Lee Starnes, 67, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 1, 2016 after a valiant battle with cancer. His devotion to his family and his faith in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. With his love of music and God-given musical talent, Jerry witnessed to numerous people about his faith. Many memories were made traveling and singing southern gospel music with the Truthseekers Quartet and at the annual Truthseekers Homecoming. Throughout his life he taught others about God through leading youth groups, Sunday school classes, Vacation Bible Schools, men’s fellowship groups and as a worship leader at Harvest Time Worship Center. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in accounting. He went on to become a partner at Barnett & Levine, LLC. in Carbondale. Jerry was also an avid fisherman who enjoyed sharing stories about his latest catch. Jerry was blessed with a loving family. He married Nancy Smith of Energy, on September 3, 1971 in Energy, IL. They had one child, Dana Christine, born in 1983. From the very beginning, both Nancy and Jerry dedicated teaching Dana about their faith and encouraged her to have a foundation built on trust in God and His word. The last three years were filled with memories of spending time with his only grandchild, Kamden. Jerry is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Dana and her husband Kenneth Howard; his grandchild, Kamden Howard; his mother, Mary Starnes; his brother, Mike Starnes and wife Sheryl; his sisters, Donna Cole, Linda and husband Don Gass, Patricia and husband John Emery; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Bill “Red” Starnes and his nephew, Dillon Starnes. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones who celebrate the fact that he is now singing praises to God with the angels. There will be a visitation service for Jerry on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and funeral services at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Both services will be at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Energy, IL. Pastor Todd Hawk of Harvest Time Worship Center will officiate the service. For more information, please go to www.vannattafuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harvest Time Worship Center.