Jerry Kent Held

Jerry Kent Held, age 64 of Olive Branch, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born on April 14, 1961 to Jerry L. and Mildred J. (Pettitt) Held in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Feb. 12, 2003, he married Beverly Henderson.

Jerry had worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections for 30 years. Jerry served his community as a Deputy Coroner for Alexander County, worked as Alexander County EMA Director for many years, served 15 years on the Horseshoe Lake Fire Department and 6 years as Chief. 

Jerry was a very active member of BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse).

Survivors include his wife, Beverly; children, Bethany (DaJohn) Peters, Jeremy Held (Shawna Brawley); Kevin McKee, Joshua (Angie) McKee, and Kayla White (Kris Powell); 17 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; his father, Jerry; two brothers, Michael Held and Kevin (Kim) Held; sister-in-law, Teresa Clubb; one niece, one nephew; and honorary son, Frank Blakemore.

Along with his mother, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Jessica Held; Step-daughter, Brandy McKee; brother, Randy Held; step-brother, David Clubb; father-in-law, Ted (Marie) Henderson; and mother-in-law, Audrey Stroud.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, Oct. 17. 2025 at 3 p.m. with Rev. Brent Gordon officiating at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms. 

Interment followed the service at Olive Branch Cemetery in Olive Branch, Ill.

The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse). Envelopes will be available at the service.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms is in charge of arrangements.