Jerry Whitten
Godfrey |
Jerry Whitten, 77, of Godfrey, passed away at 10:08 pm on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Alton Memorial Hospital.
He was born on April 3, 1947, the son of the late Clarence and Marie (Foster) Whitten.
Jerry graduated from SIUE with a Master's Degree in Special Education and taught special education for 35 years with Alton School District 8.
He married Madelyn Franklin on July 21, 2006, and she survives.
Jerry was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey and was a lifelong Martial Arts Instructor. He trained with Grandmaster Shin at Osan AF Base in Korea. He was awarded his 1st degree black belt in Korea Dan # 12181 in 1968, 2nd on October 14, 1973, 3rd on May 30, 1977 and was a charter member of WTSDA and the first director of Region 5, 4th on December 1, 1992, and 6th on July 1, 2000. Jerry was also a member of the WTSDA Technical Advisory Committee and created two forms for the WTSDA.
In addition to his loving spouse, Madelyn Whitten, he is survived by a son, Sean Whitten of Austin, Texas; a daughter, Kristy Zimmerman of Marion, Illinois; six grandchildren: Christian, Jacob, Alexandria, Aliya, Audrey, and Elliott; three grandchildren, Luna, Kylo, and Lennox, two stepchildren: Jeanne (Mark) Barley of Prairietown, IL, and Don (Darla) Brown of Bethalto, IL; three step-grandchildren: Tye (Kyle), Madison, and Hudson; and two step-great-grandchildren: Reese and Cole.
Private graveside services will be conducted at Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in Godfrey, with Rev. Timothy Appel officiating.
Memorials are suggested to Senior Services Plus.
Arrangements are entrusted to Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey.
Online condolences may be left at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
