Gerold Gene Jouett

Gerold Gene Jouett was born at the family’s home in rural Fayette, Illinois on May 9, 1936. He was the sixth child born to Leslie and Helen (McGregor) Jouett. His identical twin brother, Darold Dean, was born just minutes later. He is survived by Antonia Jouett, his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, his daughter Victoria Jouett (Saunders) her husband Roger, his son Jerry Jouett and wife Kit, a son-in-law, John Canavan, and six grandchildren, Cristina Canavan, Connor Canavan, Eamon Jouett, Anthony Saunders, Nicholas Saunders, and Vincent Saunders and numerous nieces and nephews. Gerold was preceded in death by his parents, his youngest daughter Angie Jouett (Canavan) and his oldest grandson, Liam Jouett. He also was proceeded in death by his two sisters, Betty Bowman and Dorothy Allen and four brothers, Bill, Richard, Harold Ray and Darold Dean Jouett.

Gerold was raised in Fayette, Illinois and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1954. Upon graduation he moved to Normal, Illinois where he attended Illinois Teaching College. He found work with Chicago Bridge and Iron Industries (CBI) during the summers to pay for his schooling. After several years in college, Gerold enlisted in the U.S Army. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Gerold began full-time employment with CBI which took him to Europe, South America throughout the U.S. and the Carribean. It was in Puerto Rico that he met and married Antonia Gaudin of Ponce on October 10th of 1964. Gerold and Antonia lived in numerous states and countries as they raised their children.

Gerold retired after 38 years with CBI and returned to Fayette, Illinois to live in the home of his birth. He spent his enjoyable 26-year retirement visiting family, projecting in his workhouse, gardening, and following economics and politics. Gerold, along with wife Antonia, were best known for often hosting their large family and numerous friends in their serene, pastoral home, where they were served Gene’s wit and wisdom alone with his homegrown tomatoes.

A graveside service will be Saturday, December 17, at 3 pm at the Oak Wood Cemetery north of Greenfield.  Visitation will be from 12:30 pm until 2:30 pm at the Shields-Bishop Funeral Home in Greenfield. Memorials are suggested to the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Greenfield.  Please leave a memory or condolence at shields-bishopfh.com.

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