Jerry L. Dobyns, Sr., 73, of Taylorville, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at his residence.

Jerry was born July 10, 1944 in Taylorville, the son of Thomas and Ailine (Mammen) Dobyns. He married JoAnne Austin on June 21, 1971 in Taylorville. Jerry would retire from Peabody Coal Mine #10, after over twenty-five years of service. He was a member of the United Mine Workers Union. Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working on cars and boats.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bart Rickman; brother, Thomas Dobyns; and sisters, Rochelle Melzer, Sheila Keller, Betty Jackson, and Vivian Poorman.

Jerry is survived by his wife, JoAnne Dobyns of Taylorville; children, Rhonda (husband, Rick) Ondrey, Rex (wife, Theresa) Rickman, Jerry Dobyns, Jr., Brett Rickman, and Tricia Seaman all of Taylorville; twenty-two grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; siblings, Terry (wife, Tracy) Dobyns of Missouri, Janice (husband, Terry) Sexton of Taylorville, and Helen Sheedy of Palmer; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will host a celebration of life at a later date.

Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62568 has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.