Obituary of gerald michael tenbarge

Gerald "Jerry" TenBarge, 83, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, formerly of Mt. Carmel, IL and Evansville, IN passed peacefully from the world on Friday, September 10, 2021. He was born in Mt. Carmel, IL on April 13, 1938 to Gerald "Kate" and Blanche Burns TenBarge. Jerry attended St. Mary's Catholic school and graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1956. He went on a football scholarship to Eastern Illinois University. His friends and fans called him "Big Bear" in reference to his sports career. Jerry married his High school sweetheart, Sharon Thornton in 1956. Jerry worked in the family business, Pepsi-Cola Distributing, from his childhood years until the business was purchased by PepsiCo in 1991. He was a successful salesman, partner, and eventually sole owner. The Pepsi business was his pride and joy. He delighted in its growth during his management. Community was very important to Jerry and through the years he participated in many activities- Lions Club, Elks, and Jaycees to name a few. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mt. Carmel and was an enthusiastic ACES sports fan. He was a popular small town friend to everyone he met and didn't know a stranger. His hobbies were traveling, fun-seeking, and riding around the town. Jerry was the leader of his family and delighted in being with them as much as possible. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon; daughter, Pamela Wonnell Kovar of Fort Walton Beach, FL; son, Steven (Zhanna) TenBarge of Houston, TX and NOLA; brother, Richard (Pat) TenBarge of Holland, MI; granddaughters, Johanna (Chris) Heavener of Fort Walton Beach, and Chloe Wonnell of Ashville, NC; great-grandaughter, Olive Heavener of Fort Walton Beach. He was also "Poppy" to his rather large extended grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother in law, Peggy and Harry Dunkel; sister in law, Jeanine Main; brother in law, Bill Hollenbeck: son in law, John Kovar; niece, Laura Jo Dunkel; and a nephew, Gregory Main. A private celebration of life was held in Fort Walton Beach. A graveside service at St. Mary's cemetery in Mt. Carmel will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Catholic School, 417 Chestnut St., Mt. Carmel, IL 62863