Gerald E. "Jerry" Kelley Sr., 78, of Mexico, died at 6:00 p.m. Friday Feb. 24, 2017, at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Centralia.

There will be a Rosary on Friday, Mar. 3, 2017, at 11 a.m. followed by a Masonic Service all at Pickering Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time. The committal service will be held at a later date at Valhalla Chapel in St. Louis.

Jerry was born on Apr. 20, 1938, in Alton, Ill., son of Clarence T. and Winifred (Blankenship) Kelley. On Aug. 20, 1980, in Mexico, he married Doris E. Hamilton who preceded him in death on Sept. 29, 2009.

Jerry was very active in the Shrine and Masonic Lodges, belonging to Masonic Lodge 354 AF and AM, Columbia Valley Scottish Rite, Little Dixie Shire Club, and he had served as an Ambassador for the Moolah Temple. He was also very active in his community; he had been a member of the Audrain County Historical Society, Golden K Kiwanis, Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce, serving as an ambassador, and he volunteered for the AMC Auxiliary. He also was a member of St. Brendan Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and he belonged to the Carpentry Local 945 out of Jefferson City.

He is survived by one son, Theodore B. Kelley and wife Faith of Florissant, Mo.; two daughters, Linda Lee Lawshe and husband David of Bethalto, Ill., and Paula Kay Barton of Alton, Ill.; one brother Howard Kelley of Brighton, Ill.; and one sister Frances Herrin of Woodriver, Ill.; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Doris, he was preceded in death by one son, Gerald E. Kelley, Jr.; one sister; and seven brothers.

Memorials may be made to the St. Mary's Hospital - Audrain Auxiliary; or to the Little Dixie Shrine Club. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.