Jerome Minahan, age 76, of Russellville, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.

Born on April 11, 1949, in Geddes, South Dakota, he was the son of Clarence Michael Minahan and Elizabeth Catherine Niehus Minahan.

Jerome was a proud United States Army veteran, having served as a sergeant in the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division. He saw heavy combat and was awarded numerous campaign medals, including the Bronze Star Medal. In recognition of his exceptional service and accomplishments, he was honored with the Distinguished Member of the 2nd/506th Charlie Company Infantry Regiment (DMOR) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

After his military service, Jerome earned a bachelor's degree in education from Black Hills State University. He went on to become an entrepreneur, owning and operating several Taco John's restaurants over the span of 44 years. He first opened a store in Madison, Wisconsin, before expanding and eventually settling in Russellville in 1985. In his leisure time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with family.

Jerome was a devoted member of St. John Catholic Church, St. Leo Catholic Church, and the VFW Post No. 2283.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Frances Terpening Minahan of South Dakota; and his brother, John Thomas Minahan of California.

Jerome leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Laura Minahan; his daughter, Amy Minahan Jackson of Springfield, Missouri; his daughter and son-in-law, Erin and David Brickley of Ozark; his son, Patrick Minahan of Russellville; as well as his cherished grandchildren, Brady and Keaton Jackson of Springfield, Missouri, Cassidy and Kennedy Jackson of Huntsville, Ashlyn and Maya Brickley of Ozark, and Violet Minahan of Russellville; his sisters, Pauline Minahan Goke and husband, Wayne Goke, Suzanne Minahan Steffen and husband, O.B. Steffen, Betty Ann Minahan Ekeren and husband, Glen Ekeren and brother, Tim Minahan and wife Karla Minahan all of South Dakota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic University Parish, with a Rosary to follow.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at St. Leo the Great Catholic University Parish, with Father Omar and Father Shekhar Chittem officiating. Burial will be private in Rest Haven Memorial Park, under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Disabled American Veterans, DAV – Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301.

Online condolences and guestbook available at www.shinnfuneral.com.