Gerald "Jerry" Block

Gerald “Jerry” R. Block, 86, of Danville passed away at 9:05 PM on January 3, 2025 at Accolade Healthcare in Danville, IL. 

Jerry was born on June 17, 1938 the son of Raymond and Camille (Trotter) Block in Sidney, IL. He was formerly married to Judy Laird on March 25, 1966. 

Survivors include his daughter, Leisa (Tom) Nimrick of Richmond, KY, four grandchildren, Colton Abbott, Dawson (Meghan Crandall) Abbott, Brittany (Jordan) Hensley all of Kentucky and TJ Nimrick of Ohio, three great grandchildren, Ember Abbott, Freya Abbott and Julianna Hensley, two brothers, Kenneth Block of Bismarck, IL and James (Nan Mettam) Block of Charleston, SC, two sisters, Debby (William) Townsley of Danville, IL and Beth Carrigan of Danville, IL, two half-brothers, Chris Block of Tilton, IL and Brett Block of Cayuga, IN, one half-sister, Tammy Sexton of Rossville, IL, his longtime companion, Brenda Demos and her family as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and special friends. 

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Marilyn Jones and Karen Martin and one brother, Richard “Whitey” Block. 

Jerry moved to Danville in 1954 and graduated from Danville High School with the Class of 1956 and served his country in the United States Army. After serving in the Army, he returned home and worked at Bohn Aluminum and was elected the President of the Local UAW Union at 20 years old in May of 1958. Jerry entered politics in 1964 when he was elected Vermilion County Circuit Clerk and was re-elected seven straight times, serving at total of 28 years as the Vermilion County Circuit Clerk from 1964-1992.

Jerry was elected to serve for eight years on the Vermilion County Board from 1992-2000, retiring in December of 2000, then was elected to the Board of Review from 1994-1998 and served as the Chairman from 1997-1998, later he was appointed as a Danville Township Trustee from 2017 – 2021 and elected to a four year term in April 2021, he was also appointed to the Danville Sanitary District Board as a Trustee from 2001-2013 serving a total of twelve years with the sanitary district.

At the time of Jerry’s passing, he still served as a Trustee on the Danville Township and Landmark Credit Union boards and was still active with the Vermilion County Democratic Association. As of April of 2024, Jerry would have served in an elected office or appointment for a total of 44 years. He was elected 12 times to various positions within local and county government and over his political career and traveling, he has handed out over 100,000 emery boards.

In his freetime he enjoyed playing golf, bowling, watching NASCAR, singing Karaoke, attending cookouts, spending time with family and friends and supporting the Democratic Party. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61834. Matt Filicsky will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park with Military Rites accorded by American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at the funeral home. 

Please join Gerald’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .