Jerald D Nevitt, 84, died on 20 October, 2024, at his residence.

He was born in Springfield, Illinois on 20 October, 1940 to Harold Paul and Vera Evans Nevitt.  He married his first wife, Elizabeth Ann Parks January 6, 1963. She preceded him in death in December of 1990.  He married and is survived by Diana Lynne Ledbetter (Kulavic) on May 2, 1992.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his canine companion, Isabella Maye.  Those who knew him as “Dad” are Major Jamie Lynne (Major Brandon) Bowden of Palmer, Alaska, Master Sergeant Christopher Ledbetter (Amy) of Washington, DC, and Diana Marie (John) Baranzelli of Rochester. Those who called him “Papa” are Evalia, Sophia, and Olivia Ledbetter of Springfield, Blake Lynne and Barrett Bowden of Palmer, AK, Jalen McAfee of Chicago, Carter Sternitzke of Rochester, Nick Baranzelli of Springfield, and Madison Elekonich of North Carolina.  Also, nephews, Patrick (Lisa), Sean, and Eric (Marian) Nevitt, niece, Heather (Eric) Kohl, and great nieces Emily and Rachel Nevitt, great nephew Levi Kohl, of Kentucky, and several cousins. In addition to his first wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, James R. Nevitt (Patricia) of Decatur, his canine companion, Alyssa Rose; his parents; Mother and Father-in-law, Ellen and Clarence Parks; and Mother and Father-in-law, Viola and Francis Kulavic.

Jerry graduated from Lanphier High School, attended Blackburn College, and University of Illinois.

During his college years, he was a member of the Blackburn choir and quartet, The U of I Oratorio Society, the Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus, Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Optimist Club of Springfield.

He was a member of the Retired State Employees Association and maintained their membership roles for over 40 years.

He was employed by the State of Illinois, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Materials and Physical Research and Bureau of Information Processing for 38 years prior to retirement and also as a Network Manager for Getronics, Inc. post-retirement from the State.

He was a member of Third Presbyterian Church for over 75 years, was ordained as a Deacon and Elder, and sang in the sanctuary choir for many years.

Jerry was an accomplished woodworker and was the sole proprietor of J.E. Data Services.  He enjoyed being a handyman and was proficient at photography.  He also shot trap and bowled during his younger years.  His love for golf was evident throughout his life and loved to travel, making each trip an adventure for his family.  He traveled all over the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Wales, and Norway.

Arrangements:

Dad always preferred the sweets over lunch or even dinner. In honor of this, family and friends are welcome to gather in the Third Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall for deserts and fellowship at noon on 25 Oct. Formal visitation will begin at 1pm with services at 2pm.
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