Gerald “Jerry” Ray Theobald, 81, of Buffalo, IL passed away on Saturday December 6, 2025.

Jerry was born in Springfield, IL on January 9, 1944 the son of Ray and Myrabel (Bivin) Theobald.

Jerry grew up on his family’s farm north of Buffalo. He graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agriculture where he was a member of the Marching Illini and a member of the FarmHouse Fraternity. He enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard and played trumpet in the 144th Army National Guard Band for 21 years, where he met many lifelong friends.

Jerry married Marilyn Joan Stillens on August 3, 1968. The couple raised four daughters on the family farm. They farmed together with his father, and later with his son-in-law and grandson. Jerry was also a member of the Sangamon County Farm Bureau and the Illinois Pork Producers Association for many years. He was leader of the Sangamon County Young Farmers and was named Illinois Young Farmers Award Winner in 1974. He also served as the Township Clerk of Buffalo Hart Township for nearly 50 years and Treasurer of the Buffalo Hart Community Club. He was active in many community bands over the years, including the Springfield Municipal Band, Mount Pulaski Community Band and Lincoln Area Music Society. Jerry and Joan also led the Buffalo Hart 4-H Club for over 25 years. He was a member of the Buffalo Hart Presbyterian Church.

Jerry was a man of deep faith. More than anything, he loved being a husband, father, and grandfather and attended as many of their events as possible. His love for music and The Lord lives on in his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Joan of Buffalo; mother, Myrabel of Franklin, TN; daughters, Joella VanOosterhout (Christopher) of Whitehall, MI, Jill Tompkins (Jason) of Mahomet, IL, Gayle Jennings (Aaron) of Buffalo, IL, and Joy Meachum (Will) of Henry, IL; sister, Janis Brown of Nolensville, TN and brother, James Theobald of Longmont, CO; grandchildren, Mitch, Riley (Kirsten), Simeon, Alexander, and Samuel VanOosterhout, Elise and Elena Tompkins, Cassidy and Elliott Jennings, and Benjamin and Hayden Meachum; as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday December 14, 2025 at Fullenwider Park Funeral Home 200 South Church St. Mechanicsburg, IL from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. There will be another visitation on Monday December 15, 2025 at Buffalo Hart Presbyterian Church 7862 Buffalo Hart Rd. Williamsville, IL from 10:00am till the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00am. Military Rites will follow the service.

Burial will follow at Constant Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Tri-City Food Pantry 305 S Church St, Mechanicsburg, IL 62545 or to the Illinois FarmHouse Alumni Association - Gary Luth 1450 N County Rd 2680 E Allerton, IL 61810