Obituary of Gerald M. Carney

Gerald M. Carney Gerald Marlin Carney, 78 of Virden formerly of Girard passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at his home with his family by his side, after an 8 year battle with Parkinson's Disease. Gerald, the son of the late Richard E. and C. Louise (Ryan) Carney, was born October 21, 1936 in Springfield, Illinois. He married Jane Lee (Beatty) on June 12, 1966 in Waverly, Illinois. They are parents of two children Gregory Paul (deceased) and Kimberly S. Carney Rhodes, husband Lonny of Carlinville. Gerald is survived by his wife Jane Lee, daughter Kim and husband Lonny, and grandsons Riley Gregory, Grant and Reid Rhodes all of Carlinville along with a very special "adopted" daughter Kim (Mike) Broida of Virden. Brother Ronald (Evelyn) Carney and Sister Nancy (Darrell) Edwards both of Virden. Cousin Thelma Otten, many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents Richard (1979), Louise (1998), sister Virginia Hays (1961), brothers J. Stuart (1992), Richard E. (2002), Warren (2009) son Gregory Paul Carney (2002), and his in laws Kenneth (2002) and Virginia (2000) Beatty and 1 great nephew. He was a graduate of Virden Community High School in 1954, where he was active in FFA and received his American FFA Degree in 1956 and was a 1960 graduate of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Gerald served 4 years in the Illinois Air National Guard based in Springfield, IL and St. Louis. He then worked in Dixon, Illinois for Production Credit Association before returning to the family farm and Brown Swiss dairy cow business. Gerald and his brother Warren farmed together for over 30 years in the Lowder, Girard, and Modesto areas, with his oldest brother Ronald joining for a few years. Gerald and Jane Lee worked side by side on the farm from the day they were married until they retired in 2004. Gerald was an advocate for agriculture and spent many years of his life giving of his time and talents. He served on the Illinois Corn Growers Association from 1976-1986, was instrumental in creating the corn check off in Illinois and was on the Illinois Corn Marketing board from 1983-1990, and served as chairman in 1984 & 1985. He was also President of the National Corn Development Foundation from 1986-1987. In 1989 he received the Outstanding Agricultural Alumni Award from Southern Illinois University college of Agriculture, Prairie Farmer Master Farmer in 1994, and in 1998 he was recognized by the Illinois Corn Growers Association with the World of Corn of Award for his outstanding commitment and work on behalf of corn growers from around the country. In 2011 the Gerald Carney Family was named Illinois Farm Family of the year. Gerald was past president and member of the Macoupin County Farm Bureau, and he was an active member of the Macoupin County Fair Board for many years and still served as Honorary Board Member. Lifetime member of the Virden United Methodist Church and active in the Omni Venture group. Gerald also served as Vice President of the Lowder Elevator Board for more than 20 years. Gerald was installed in the Virden Masonic Lodge in 1951 and became a Shriner in 1970. Gerald had many loves, the greatest being his family, but he was an avid antique John Deere tractor collector, purchased a black hard top 1957 that he referred to as "like the one I had" that he had new in 1957. In retirement he enjoyed his grandson and participating in many parades around the state, including several Illinois State Fairs, where he displayed many of his antique JD's and pulled his grandson Riley in a wagon behind the tractor throwing out candy. To him, it was just another way to share his love of agriculture. Funeral Information Visitation for Gerald will be on Saturday, November 8 from 2-6 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Virden, with Masonic Services to be performed at 1:45 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 1 pm at the Virden First United Methodist Church with services to be performed by Pastor Mary Alice Cunningham and burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Modesto. Donations Information Memorials are suggested to the Oak Grove Cemetery Maintenance Fund, Gerald Carney Agriculture Scholarship or the Macoupin County Fair.