Mr. Jerry W. Dunlap, Sr., fondly known as “Boar”, age78, of Flat Rock, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, in his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on May 24, 1947, in Crawford County, Illinois, to George
Waggonseller and Normalea (Dunlap) Treat. Jerry attended Lawrenceville High School and graduated in the Class of 1965. On October 19, 1968, he married his lifelong love, Cheryl Louise “Sherry” Eveland. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and simple joys.
Jerry was a dedicated and dependable worker throughout his career. He was employed at L.S. Heath & Sons as a maintenance man at both the Old Plant on Jackson Street and at the new Plant on West Main Street and was on-call 24/7. His life was less than organized due to his work schedule, before becoming an operator for Buckeye Pipeline, later owned by Marathon Petroleum. He retired in June of 2007 after many years of faithful service. Jerry took great pride in providing for his family and was known for his strong work ethic and steady presence.
Above all, Jerry was a family man, and he truly loved the out-of-doors. If it went bang or boom, Jerry had one. His greatest sport was deer hunting starting back in the late 1960s when Illinois first licensed deer hunting and from that time on, Boar’s year started when the black morel mushrooms popped up in the spring and ended with the last deer shotgun season. He treasured time spent with his loved ones, especially his son, Jerry W. Jr. “Short” and his beloved grandson, Jaden, who brought him tremendous pride and joy. Whether sharing stories, lending a helping hand, or simply enjoying quiet moments together (which were rare), Jerry’s presence will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his devoted wife, “Sherry” Dunlap of Flat Rock, Illinois; his son, Jerry W. “Short” (Michelle) “Shelly” Dunlap of Flat Rock, Illinois; his beloved grandson, Jaden Dunlap of Flat Rock, Illinois; his brother, Gary Treat of Robinson, Illinois; his sister-in-law, Marcia Parker of Robinson, Illinois; his brother-in-law, Danny Eveland of Willow Hill, Illinois; as well as many, many cousins and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; several aunts and uncles; and in-laws.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 1:00 pm with Pastor James Conlin officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service at Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson, Illinois. Burial will follow funeral services in Port Jackson Cemetery in Honey Creek Township, rural Flat Rock, Illinois.
The family requests memorial contributions, in Jerry’s memory, to be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Pulliam Funeral Home, 1005 W. Main Street, Robinson, Illinois 62454, is in charge of arrangements.
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