Jerry Vanhoose

Jerry VanHoose, 79, of Rock Creek gained true independence from this world on July 4, 2025 - Independence Day.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Myrtle, as well as his siblings, Bill VanHoose and JoAnn Mitchell. Additionally, his baby girl, Jerri Paulette, who opened her eyes in Heaven, passed before him many years ago.

Jerry worked for thirty-one years as a coal miner, and spent much of that time organizing mines up and down the East Coast to ensure better pay and working conditions as a proud UMWA member. His tales of strikes and picket lines were legendary. He was also a factory worker for Bell and Howell, a Golden Gloves boxer, and worked for Standard Supply. His lengthy mining experience led to silicosis, emphysema, COPD, and black lung that finally ended his life after many bouts with pneumonia. This is where he gained his freedom from oxygen, machines, and scarred lungs.

Left to cherish his memory are Mary, his wife of twenty-four years; daughter Sherie Cregger and her daughter, Alyssa (Srini); daughter Tammy Jackson and her daughters, Lauryn and Presley; daughter Selena Ewing and her children, Krystina, Bryson, Braxton, and Branson; son Gavin (Jennifer) and their children, Kalei and Blace; bonus daughter Monica (Greg) Tolliver and their children, Chelsea (Zach), Sami Jo, and Dylan; bonus daughter Sherry (Thomas) Dotson and their children, Carrington and Cassidy.

Great-grandchildren include Oakley, Asher, Brooks, and Baker. Siblings include Alice Faye (Jim) Doherty, Benny VanHoose, Ronny (Bea) VanHoose, and Pat Wein. Jerry leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to extend a thank you for excellent care to Lincoln Primary Care staff and Jerry's host of doctors and their staff, the friends at Sam's Pharmacy, Boone County Ambulance Authority, and anyone who prayed for our family. We appreciate you!

Services for Jerry will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Handley Funeral Home in Danville, WV with Phil Rowe and Zach Anderson officiating. Visitation to be held one hour prior to the service. Burial to follow at Mid-Ferrell Cemetery in Bandytown, WV.