SPARTA - Terry Willis Gerlach, 62, passed away peacefully at 11:46 a.m., Sunday, April 14, 2019, in Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.  Terry was born September 8, 1956 in Pinckneyville IL to Willis and Marilyn (Marlow) Gerlach.

Terry is survived by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Angela and Randy Truluck; five children, Ryan (Andrea) Gerlach of Murphysboro; Caleb (Autumn) Gerlach of Percy IL; Marilyn "Micki" (Casey) Newport of Memphis, TN; Heaven (Joshua) Sanderson of Knoxville TN; and William (Hayley) Gerlach of Nashville, TN. Terry is also survived by his precious grandchildren, Nora, Ivy, Arlo, Harper, Elton and Ava Newport as well as, his nephews Bryan (Ottilie) Hoffmann and Jared (Stephanie) Hoffmann.

Terry absolutely loved the outdoors and enjoyed, more than anything, spending time fishing, grilling, and listening to music.  Nothing made him happier than spending time with his children and grandchildren, who adored their "PawPaw Terry" very much. He has touched many with his positive outlook on life and will be remembered fondly by family and friends. Terry worked for Wrights Lumber in Sparta, and was of the Baptist Faith.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, April 18, 2019, at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville with Rev. Dr. Scott Foshie officiating, and burial will follow at the Union Cemetery, Sparta. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening at the funeral home where friends may call from 5 to 8 PM, and then on Thursday from 7:30 until the hour of service. Memorials are encouraged in lieu of flowers and can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Hospice of Southern Illinois Blue/West Team.