Jerry L. 'Whitey' Gehrs, 86, of St. Louis, Mo., passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024. Jerry was born December 21, 1937 to Nicholas and Veronica (Erlinger) Gehrs.

He grew up in Carlyle, Ill. with his parents and seven siblings. Jerry attended St. Mary's Grade School and Mater Dei High School in Carlyle. His favorite sport was hunting. Enlisting in the US Navy was a big decision but a great choice for Jerry. He loved sharing stories of his world travels, adventures, and experiences. After his naval tour of duty with honorable discharge, Jerry returned home and chose to become a barber.

Jerry had a great sense of humor. His many friends loved to banter with him. He always said what was on his mind and loved a good confrontation.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Nicholas and Veronica Gehrs and his son Daniel Gehrs. Also preceding him in death are his siblings Robert 'Bob' Gehrs, Imogene Calcaterra LePique, Nicholas 'Nick' Gehrs, and John Gehrs; brothers-in-law Louis Calcaterra and Harry LePique, sisters-in-law Delores (Jones) Gehrs, Mary Ann (Bergmann) Gehrs, Janice (Berry) Gehrs, and Geraldine (Knies) Gehrs.

Surviving are his brothers James 'Jim' Gehrs, Thomas 'Tom' Gehrs, William 'Bill' Gehrs; sisters-in-law Sandee (nee Robb) Gehrs, Mary (nee Rainey) Gehrs, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.

Sign the guestbook at wfh-ofallon.com. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Vincent de Paul Society or Gentiva Hospice.

Memorial Mass will be at 10:30 am, Tuesday, February 13, 2024 in the DAY CHAPEL at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O'Fallon, Ill., with Msgr. William J. Hitpas presiding. Burial with military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.