Funeral services were held for Mr. Zera V. Kerley, at Gilead church, north of Simpson Sunday afternoon, March 22, 1944. The services were conducted by Rev. L. P. Harris who was assisted by Rev. Grant Whiteside. Interment was made in Gilead cemetery. Mr. Kerley died at his home north of Simpson of a heart attack.
  Zera V. Kerley, son of Dr. M. J. Kerley and Margaret (Brooks) Kerley was born in Flatwoods, Johnson County, Illinois, on January 8, 1877, and departed this life on March 22, 1944, at the age of 67 years, 2 months and 14 days.
  He received his Elementary education at Flatwoods school. After attending S. I. N. U., he taught three terms at Flatwoods and Simpson. Later he studied telegraphy at Sedalia, Mo., preparing himself for ten years of railroad work with the Illinois Central in offices at Grantsburg and Simpson.
He was united in marriage to Mary Lue Keltner on December 24, 1902. To this union two children were born, namely: Cleo, dying in infancy and Owen of Simpson.
  He purchased the Simpson Roller Mills, which he operated successfully for five years. Later in 1916 he bought and moved to the Stephen F. Keltner farm. After living on the farm for ten years he moved to Carbondale with his family where he operated a grocery store and enabling his son to receive a better education at S. I.N.U. After six years the family returned to the old home where he lived until death.
  During his years of life on the farm he was interested in better ways of farming. This led him to join the Johnson County Farm Bureau. He was elected director of this organization from Simpson township. His deep concern in farm organization elevated him to the office of Treasurer which he held during the remainder of his life..
  Mr. Kerley was affiliated with Lovelace Camp No. 3845 of M.W.A. and Garrison Camp No. 5487 of R.N. A., both of Simpson, Illinois.
Mr. Kerley professed faith in Christ at an early age. Although he never united with any church he devoted himself to the high calling of the Primitive Baptist faith.
  His interest in fraternalism led him to work for the upbuilding of the community in which he lived. He was one of the leaders in the incorporation and beautifying of Gilead cemetery.
Mr. Kerley was a devoted husband and a loving father. He leaves to mourn his departure a loving wife, one son, one grandson, Owen Stephen, a daughter-in-law, Marie, two brothers, Conrad O. Kerley of Simpson, and Vecus of Elgin; two sisters, Mrs. Lula Castleman of Simpson and Mrs. Iley Perkins of Mayfield, Ky., one brother-in-law J. C. Keltner of Marion, one sister-in-law, Mrs. F. C. Whitlock of East St. Louis, with a host of other relatives and friends.