Kenneth "Jerry" Gerald McCredie, 92, peacefully passed away on August 29, 2026 at his home in Eustis FL.
Jerry was born May 16, 1934. He married the love of his life, Barbara Jones, on December 31, 1952, beginning a partnership that would span more than 73 years. The two first met while out with a group of friends. Afterward, Barbara went home and told her mother that she was going to marry him. She was right.
Jerry and Barb were, quite simply, a package deal. Through more than seven decades of marriage, they built a family, businesses, friendships, adventures and a lifetime of memories together. Where you found one, you could usually expect to find the other.
Jerry began his working life at a Phillips 66 filling station and purchased the station around 1953. Never one to leave a car alone for very long, he also operated a mechanic's garage from his home, working on cars for others while beginning what would become a lifelong career - and passion - centered around automobiles.
In 1960, Jerry went to work as the head mechanic at Jamison Chevrolet. A few years later, he began building the original building for McCredie Motors. In 1968, he opened the Dodge dealership, later adding Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Chrysler franchises during the 1980s.
His entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. In 1977, Jerry opened Major Muffler as a muffler shop and used-car lot. In 1983, the family purchased the Skylark Drive-In Theatre and operated it together until a storm destroyed the theater in 1986. The land was later donated to Keokuk Little League and today is known as McCredie Park.
Long before owning dealerships, Jerry had discovered another way to enjoy cars: racing them.
He began racing in 1955 using the family car - much to Barb's dismay. He raced jalopies before moving into IMCA racing and continued competing for approximately five years before the demands of building his automobile business brought his racing years to an end.
Retirement didn't do much to cure Jerry of his obsession with cars. He spent countless hours working on vehicles for friends and family, but perhaps especially for himself. He built two 1955 Chevrolets from parts, including one from the frame up, and was in the process of restoring a 1966 Corvette. He accomplished most of these projects through decades of knowledge and ingenuity, without the benefit of manuals, internet searches or instructional videos.
When Jerry wasn't working on a car, there was a good chance he could be found on a golf course. An avid golfer, he played regularly with a group of longtime friends for many years. And because Jerry was also an enthusiastic gambler, there was naturally money involved.
Jerry loved to gamble anywhere and anytime, with the craps table holding a special place among his favorites. Like so many parts of his life, gambling wasn't only about the game - it was also about the longtime friends alongside him.
Jerry was ornery, bullheaded and an accomplished jokester who delighted in agitating his friends and family. One of his favorite sayings summed up his straightforward approach to life perfectly: "Money talks and bullshit walks."
He also possessed the rare ability to talk to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Jerry truly did not know a stranger. A quick conversation could easily end with Jerry having made another friend. Beneath the jokes and stubbornness was a man who would do whatever he could to help someone in need.
Jerry was a member of Kiwanis, the Elks, the Keokuk Yacht Club, Southside Boat Club, First Lutheran Church of Keokuk and The Cross in Eustis.
Jerry and Barbara's greatest legacy is the family that grew from the life they built together.
He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 73 years, Barbara McCredie; their children, Gerald "Jerry" Kenneth McCredie and his wife, Leisa "Loter" McCredie, and Patty McCredie; four grandchildren, Aimee Rippenkroeger (Jason), Courtney McCredie (Bobby Kolkovich), Morgan Schafer, and Jordan McCredie Harvey (Andrew Harvey); great-grandchildren Kyler Rippenkroeger, Austin Rippenkroeger, Henry Rippenkroeger, Hannah Rippenkroeger, Spencer Rippenkroeger, Elle McCredie, Kendra McCredie, Halas Kolkovich, Logan Kolkovich, Lincoln Kolkovich, Gracie Schafer, Lola Schafer, Bently McCredie-Harvey, Camden McCredie-Harvey, Wyatt Harvey and Paisley Harvey; and great-great-grandson Grayson Padilla.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude "Luebke" Anderson, in 1994.
Jerry was a friend to many - and "many" may still be an understatement. Those who knew him will have their own Jerry stories: stories about cars, golf, gambling, business, jokes, arguments, favors, conversations and the countless ways he found to make himself unforgettable.
He built cars. He built businesses. He built friendships everywhere he went. Most importantly, alongside Barb, he built a family and a life together that lasted more than seven decades.
Jerry will be deeply missed by those who loved him, greatly missed by the many people fortunate enough to call him a friend, and undoubtedly talked about for many years to come.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Southside Boat Club, 625 Mississippi Drive, Keokuk, with family meeting with friends at that time.
The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com
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