Gerald E. (Jerry) Shibley, 91, a resident of Grayson View Senior Living Center, was called home to be with the Lord Wednesday, December16 after a short illness. He was born on August 21, 1929 in Hornell, New York, the son of the late Kenneth and Maribelle (Herbert) Shibley.
He was stationed in Japan in the Army Air Corp from 1946-49 as a medical laboratory technician. Upon his discharge he continued in this position in the Steuben County Laboratory and later in a private medical clinic in Dansville, NY. He married Donna J. Collins in 1952.
God subsequently called Jerry into the ministry and he graduated from Dubuque Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa in 1962. He pastored churches in the PCUSA in Center Junction/ Scotch Grove, IA; Farmington, IL; and Hammond, NY. He then joined the RCA and pastored churches in Alexandria Bay, NY; Currytown/Sprakers, NY; and Kinderhook, NY. He retired to Bristol, TN in 1991 where he continued to supply the pulpit part-time in various PCA churches. A move to WI in later years to be near family provided the opportunity to share the Gospel through volunteer work in prison ministry.
Jerry was a devoted pastor and loved preaching the Word and ministering to his congregations, with a special interest in pastoral counseling. He had a deep appreciation for God’s creation and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping, as well as travel and photography.
He was preceded in death by his wife in 1994, and by his sister Arlene Saxton. He is survived by one daughter, Wendy (Karl) Bratt; three grandchildren, Kristen (Lloyd) Reitz of Paxinos; Christopher Bratt of Palmyra, NY and Timothy Bratt of Myrtle Beach, SC; three great-grandchildren, Collette, Trey and Elliott Reitz; and several nieces and great-nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID the funeral, which will be held on December 22, will be private.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to:
Back to God Ministries International
1700 28th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Arrangements are by the Joseph W. Epler Funeral Home, 210 King Street, Northumberland.
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