Longtime Centralia Resident Jerry Corners Passes Away at 84

Corners was a lifelong farmer, rodeo owner, and community leader in Southern Illinois

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Jerry Corners, a longtime resident of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at the age of 84. Corners was born in 1942 and spent his life working on the family farm, earning a college degree, and becoming involved in various community organizations and businesses, including owning a rodeo and serving on the Tri County Electric Board and Southern Illinois Power Cooperative.

Why it matters

Jerry Corners' passing marks the end of an era for the Corners family and the Centralia community, where he was a well-known and respected figure. His life story highlights the importance of family, farming, and community involvement in small-town America.

The details

Corners met his wife Judy in 1978, and they were married for 48 years. He worked for International Harvester for several years before returning to the family farm. Corners also owned and operated the J Bar H Rodeo in Camdenton, Missouri, and was a past president of the Southern Illinois Beef Association. He was active in local organizations, serving on the Woodlawn High School Board and the Tri County Electric Board from 1981 to 2013.

  • Jerry Corners was born on February 9, 1942 in Centralia, Illinois.
  • Corners married Judy Tryan on September 16, 1978.
  • Corners passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026.

The players

Jerry Corners

A lifelong resident of Centralia, Illinois, who worked on the family farm, earned a college degree, and was involved in various community organizations and businesses, including owning a rodeo and serving on the Tri County Electric Board and Southern Illinois Power Cooperative.

Judy Corners

Jerry Corners' wife of 48 years.

Raymond 'Bud' Corners

Jerry Corners' father.

Helen (Hoffman) Corners

Jerry Corners' mother.

Blaine Corners

Jerry and Judy Corners' son.

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What’s next

Jerry Corners will be laid to rest at Fouts Christian Church Cemetery in Centralia following a Celebration of Life service on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The takeaway

Jerry Corners' life exemplified the values of small-town America, with his dedication to family, farming, and community involvement. His passing marks the end of an era for the Centralia community, where he was a respected and beloved figure.