Jerry Whitten, 77, of Godfrey, passed away at 10:08 pm on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Alton Memorial Hospital.

He was born on April 3, 1947, the son of the late Clarence and Marie (Foster) Whitten.

Jerry graduated from SIUE with a Master's Degree in Special Education and taught special education for 35 years with Alton School District 8.

He married Madelyn Franklin on July 21, 2006, and she survives.

Jerry was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey and was a lifelong Martial Arts Instructor. He trained with Grandmaster Shin at Osan AF Base in Korea. He was awarded his 1st degree black belt in Korea Dan # 12181 in 1968, 2nd on October 14, 1973, 3rd on May 30, 1977 and was a charter member of WTSDA and the first director of Region 5, 4th on December 1, 1992, and 6th on July 1, 2000. Jerry was also a member of the WTSDA Technical Advisory Committee and created two forms for the WTSDA.

In addition to his loving spouse, Madelyn Whitten, he is survived by a son, Sean Whitten of  Austin, Texas; a daughter, Kristy Zimmerman of Marion, Illinois; six grandchildren: Christian, Jacob, Alexandria, Aliya, Audrey, and Elliott; three grandchildren, Luna, Kylo, and Lennox, two stepchildren: Jeanne (Mark) Barley of Prairietown, IL, and Don (Darla) Brown of Bethalto, IL; three step-grandchildren: Tye (Kyle), Madison, and Hudson; and two step-great-grandchildren: Reese and Cole.

Private graveside services will be conducted at Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in Godfrey, with Rev. Timothy Appel officiating.