Clifford Jerman

Hartford:

Clifford Jerman, 72, passed away at 8:30am on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at his residence with his family by his side. He was born on May 30, 1953, the son of the late John and Murray (Kelley) Jerman. He married the former Lora Lee Van Meter on February 25, 1978, in Cairo, and she preceded him in death on September 27, 2025. Survivors include a daughter: Morgan Jerman of Hartford, a son: Mason Jerman of Hartford, a grandson: Tristen Jerman, a great niece: Faith Story, two bonus granddaughters: Addy Quigley, Madi Gould, four sisters: Betty Jo, Shirley, Terri, Ruth, a brother: John “Chuck”, and many other extended family and friends.

Clifford was employed as a truck driver for over forty years at Linde Transportation. He was a veteran of the United States Navy on the USS Oriskany which was a carrier ship and worked in the oil lab testing water for drinking and the boilers off the coasts of the Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Africa, and Hawaii. He did basic training in Orlando then went to the Great Lakes, San Diego, Oakland-Alameda, and overseas.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother: Glen Jerman.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 11:30am until time of funeral services at 1:30pm on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Pastor Dan Smith will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto with full military honors by the Ritual Team of VFW Post 1308 of Alton.

Memorials are suggested to Vitas Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.