Jerry Dean Gladden

Jerry Dean Gladden, age 71, of Fulton, passed away Monday, October 7, 2019 at Capital Region Medical Center. Jerry was born August 18, 1948 to Earl Gladden and Ruby York Gladden in Pittsfield, Illinois. Jerry was the youngest of nine children. When Jerry was a small child they moved to Waynesville, Missouri where he attended Waynesville High School until he graduated in 1966. He went on to college in St. Louis, Missouri to earn his degree. Jesus Christ has always been a part of Jerry's life. His dad was a good old Baptist preacher and he started several small town churches. Jerry met his first wife Karen Hart and they wed June 1968. From that marriage Jerry and Karen had two children, Karrie and Jeremy. They divorced several years into their marriage. Jerry met his second wife, Shirley Ridgel and they were married June 1981. Shirley brought two small boys, Marvin and Scott, into the marriage and Jerry loved them and raised them just as his own. Shirley passed away February 2010 leaving him a widow and to never remarry. Jerry went to work at the Fulton State Hospital in 1980 as a Psychiatric Aide at the Hearnes Unit, working with our youth. Later Jerry became a Security Aide and transferred to Biggs working from a Security Aide up to a Security Aide 2, becoming the immediate Supervisor on his unit. During his employment at the hospital, Jerry joined the Union and got involved. He started out working as a Steward all the way to the Local Union 1810 President. Jerry worked very hard and fought for Fulton State Hospital employee's rights on a daily basis. Jerry retired in January 2002, where he was able to focus on being a full-time grandpa. I don't think Jerry loved any job more than being a grandpa to many children, not just his own grandchildren but many young people grew up calling Jerry Gladden grandpa. Jerry lived a great life with lots of loved ones and was able to travel all over the United States doing what he loved. He has left behind his children: Marvin Ridgel of New Bloomfield, Karrie Sandfort of Holts Summit, Scott Ridgel of Fulton and Jeremy Gladden of Plato; grandchildren; Kayla McClure of Plato, Kayce McClure of Fulton, Alton McClure of California, Missouri, Victoria Gladden of Plato, Karissa Sandfort of Holts Summit, Pastan Gladden of Plato, Scott Ridgel of Fulton, Ruth Ridgel of Fulton, Roy Ridgel of Fulton and Chris Ridgel of Fulton; great-grandchildren, Robert Scofield of Fulton and Patrick Holley of Fulton; along with many other family members and close friends who will deeply miss Jerry with his corny jokes, quick smile and willingness to help most anyone in need. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Charles McClure Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2019 at Debo Funeral Home in Fulton. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Fulton. The family will receive guests from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.debofuneralhome.com