Gerald Lee "Jerry" Marietta's Obituary
Decatur – Gerald Lee “Jerry” Marietta, 82, of Decatur, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Don’t you believe it for at this time he is more alive than ever because he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour when he was 17 years old. Nonetheless, you may attend his visitation from 10am until the service time of 11am Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery.
Mr. Marietta was born on August 25, 1943, in Kansas City, MO, the son of Manning Charles and Mary Francis Gorsek Marietta. He was a life-long resident of Decatur having been a graduate of MacArthur High School class of 1961, the first class to complete all four years in the new building. Jerry received a Bachelor of Music degree from Millikin University in 1965 and was the last person to receive a Master of Music education from Millikin in 1971. He was the Unit Band Director for the Deland-Weldon Community Unit District 57 from 1965-1968 and was the Band Director in the Mt. Zion Community Unit District 3 schools from 1968-1969 whereupon he switched over to elementary education having completed 25 years in Mt. Zion.
Jerry was past chaplain, vice president and president for Gideons International and upon his death held membership in the International Bible Society. He gave out literally thousands of scriptures and tracts through the years. He and his first wife Laura also carried on a mail and healing ministry through Central United Methodist Church. Jerry was a member of the Decatur Municipal Band since 1967 serving as secretary of the band in 1968 and 1969. He was assistant conductor of the band from 1969-1975 and was the business manager of the band from 1970-1977. Jerry was a member of Oak Grove Church of the Nazarene where he served for a time as assistant minister. He filled various pulpits for ministers through the years and held several revivals.
He is survived by his wife Tabrina of Decatur and many-many friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Laura and brother Manning Charles Marietta Jr. Remember: One life to live that soon will be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.
Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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