Jerald T. Sarnes

Jerald T. Sarnes, 86, of Havana, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 4:16 p.m. Arcadia Care in Havana.

Jerald was born on November 17, 1939 in Easton, Illinois to Harold and Marie Sarnes. Jerald had the following brothers and sisters: Faye Bybokas (deceased), Raymond Sarnes (deceased), Harold Jr. Sarnes (deceased), and Jerald’s twin brother Gerald of Kewanee.
Jerald graduated from Havana High School in May 1957 and in November 1957 he entered the U.S. Navy. After boot camp he was stationed at Newport, Rhode Island and in May of 1959 he was transferred to USS Chukawan AO 100, where after completing an exam was promoted to Petty Officer Third Class and was released from the Navy in December 1961. After being released from the Navy, he was employed by The Havana National Bank and worked there until December 2005 as Assistant Vice President. Jerald was also very active in all the branches of the Odd Fellows in Havana and was the General Commanding (retired) of the Patriarchs Militant of the World in the Odd Fellows.
Jerald was very active in the community where he was in the Havana Jaycees, Havana Chamber of Commerce where he served as Secretary to the Board of Directors, Havana Rotary Club where he was also President of the Club and Secretary and awarded the Paul Harris medallion, Mason County Housing Board as a Director and before he retired from the Board was President, City of Havana as Alderman in the second ward replacing Clarence Bastien after he passed away.
He married Judy Kay Thompson, daughter of Merritt and Mary Thompson of Havana, Illinois on May 30, 1962. Out of this marriage they had four sons, Bruce (Teresa) of Lincoln, Illinois, Patrick of Havana, Andy (deceased), and Rusty (Amber) of Havana. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Over the years of marriage, they enjoyed watching the children and grandkids in all of their sports programs.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana, with a visitation two hours prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Lori Fornoff will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana.
Memorial donations may be made in Jerald’s name to HHS Boosters for the boys and girls basketball teams or to Havana Rotary Foundation. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.