Jerry Lyle Dawe

Jerry Lyle Dawe, son of the late Eugene and Mary Dawe, went to be with his Lord, surrounded by his family on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015.

Jerry was born Sept. 14, 1942 in Marion, Ill. After graduating Marion High School in 1960 he served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Spain. Upon returning to the States, Jerry graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a Bachelor of Music. Jerry later earned a Master of Musical Arts degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Jerry was well known for his huge operatic tenor voice. While enrolled at SIU in the Marjorie Lawrence Opera Workshop, he met the love of his life, Cheri Moore (Dawe). They were united in marriage Dec. 1973 and blessed with four children.

He was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel by the Evangelical Church Alliance.

The Dawe family moved to Poplar Bluff in 1978 and Jerry served as Minister of Music at First Christian Church. He was adjunct faculty at TRCC, teaching private voice and later music appreciation. He taught high school at Southern Missouri Christian School and AGAPE Christian School. He served as pastor at Mill Spring Christian Church in Mill Spring, Mo. and Bethany Bible Church in Leroy, Minn.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Cheri; his children: Jeremy Dawe and wife, Carolyn of Poplar Bluff, Jonathan Dawe of Dexter, Simon Dawe and wife, Wendy and Pilar Berry and husband, Marcus all of Poplar Bluff; five grandchildren: Wesley Ashley, Hunter Berry, Amiah Berry, Molly Berry and Isabelle Berry; and one brother, Bob Dawe and wife, Bonnie of Elkville, Ill.

Jerry loved singing, teaching voice, listening and sharing his love of music with students and friends, and teaching and sharing scripture.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30th at New Covenant Fellowship in Poplar Bluff.

In lieu of flowers, the family request you share a photo, song, favorite memory or funny story with them.