Jerry Coonce

JONESBORO, Ill. -- Gerald T. "Jerry" Coonce, 82, of Jonesboro died Sunday, July 13, 2003, in Jonesboro.

He was born April 16, 1921, in Cobden, Ill., son of William Martin and Zelma Clutts Coonce.

Coonce worked for Northrop Grumman Corp. of California, where at one time he was project manager engineer and was instrumental in the engineering and building of the 747 fuselage. He retired in 1983. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, and a life member of Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455 in Anna, Ill.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

Survivors include two nieces, Judy Inman of Jonesboro, Lou Ann Stokes of Cape Girardeau; two nephews, Ronnie Cerney and Jimmy McClelland of Texas.

He was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, two brothers and two sisters.

Friends may call at Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro after 11 a.m. today.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gene Hart officiating. Burial will be in Jonesboro Cemetery, with military rites by VFW Post 3455.