Jerry Van Cloninger

Jerry Van Cloninger, age 93, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 22, 2025. He was born to John and Ethel (Goldsmith) Cloninger in Gastonia, North Carolina, on February 20, 1932. He lived there until he graduated high school, then he began his adventures in the Air Force, where he served his country proudly for many years, serving in the Korean War. In the early months of 1996, he met the love of his life, Debbie Howard. The two had many years full of love before his passing. Jerry was one that loved to stay busy and work with his hands, if he wasn’t tinkering in the garage then he was out in the yard or golfing. He was fond of casinos, enjoying the slot machines the most. He loved the Atlanta Braves and never missed watching a game. He was not the fondest of dogs until he met his soul dog, Eddie. Eddie was his guardian and protector as his health began to decline. Jerry also took to bird watching when his mobility started to become more limited, and he was always quick to tell his family when the bird feeders got low. 

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ethel, his 6 sisters, 5 brothers, and son-in-law Mike Spaulding. 

Left to remember him is his life partner, Debbie Howard, his son, Michael (Joanie) Cloninger, his daughters, Sharon (Dave) Chase, Brandi Mattingly, Cindi (Remi) Hanssen, his brother, Ken (Doris) Cloninger, his grandchildren, Kyle (Krystle) Wood, Michael Noel, Gregory (Cassidy) Mattingly, Ethan (Madison) Hanssen, Erik Hanssen, his great grandchildren, Koryn Reale, Kynslee, Kayden, Kailyn Wood and Leila Mattingly, numerous nieces and nephews and faithful friends. 

Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 2 to 4 pm at the Boyd Funeral Home with a funeral service right after. In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Marion Humane Society. Special thanks to the Center Well Home Care, Gentiva Hospice team, the VA home based home care and Tara Nicolosi for their care and compassion.  

The Boyd Funeral home is honored to care for the Cloninger family in their time of need. 

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