Obituary - Jerald (Jerry) Edwin Cantwell

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of husband, father, and grandfather, Jerald “Jerry” Edwin Cantwell, Sr. on January 14, 2022 at Bates County Memorial Hospital after a valiant fight with pneumonia. The following eulogy is written in Jerry’s own hand: “I was born on March 7, 1944 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Edwin Keller and Mary Emily (Kerby) Cantwell. I was a grandson of Edison Ham and Gertrude (Keller) Cantwell and Walter Ancel Ida Mae (Kelly) Kerby. I married Monya Gwyndolin (Barber) Brundige on February 29, 1980. I am survived by my wife, Monya and my son, Jerald “Eddie” Edwin Cantwell, II. 

Also surviving are my children: Alethea Fawn (Brunidge) and George “Bud” Coberly; Peggy Darlene (Brundige) and Jayson Flint; Weldon Pernell and Lori Brundige; Daniel Joseph and Shanei Brundige; and Barbara Lea (Brundige) and James Allphin; along with 19 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is my brother, Edward Lee and Patricia (McGinnis) Cantwell; and a nephew, William Eugene and Johna Cantwell. I was preceded in death by my parents; grandparents; a nephew, Patrick Edison Cantwell; a granddaughter, Tessa Jean Allphin; and a son-in-law, Michael Scott Coleman. 

I grew up in the Prescott and Pleasanton, Kansas area. I attended Walnut Valley School (a one-room country school) for seven years, and Prescott Grade School for one year. I graduated from Prescott Rural High School and from Iola (Kansas) Junior College. I graduated from Emporia (Kansas) State University with a B.S. in Accounting and a minor in Social Science. My first job was at Interpace, Corp. in Kansas City, Kansas. Then I worked at Johnson National Bank in Prairie Village, Kansas for several years. I went to Idaho for a short time for Paul Jones Dodge-Jeep automobile dealership. Then I came back to Kansas to help my dad with the farming for several years. After being a farmer for a while, I worked for Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri as a security guard and housekeeper for a short time. 

Then for 20 years at the State Hospital in Nevada, Missouri as a DA1 and a DA2 (an aide). I retired from there. I did income tax returns for individuals and accounting for small businesses for 40 years. I was a member of the Pleasanton, Kansas Chamber of Commerce for a number of years. I served as the treasurer for several years. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I served as Ward Executive Secretary and Ward Financial Clerk for many years in the Nevada Ward. Also, I was a Family History Worker in the Family History Center. I have been working on my family history for many years. Although my accomplishments have been very great, there is a lot of work to be done.”

Visitation will be at Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, Missouri on Friday , January 21st from 2-4 pm. Funeral at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1101 N. Olive, Nevada, Missouri, Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 12 pm, following a visitation from 11 am till noon. Burial at Richland Cemetery, Richards, Missouri.

Goodbye

This is my last goodbye and farewell to you all;
It is time for me to answer thy great call.

This time is not a sad time, but a happy one;
I am not in the presence of thy great one.

I am now with the loved ones who have gone before;
Here in the Spirit World I am in pain no more.

I am in a wonderful and beautiful place;
You’ll be able to meet and see thy Lord’s face.

For time is short on earth, please follow the Lord’s way;
When I see you here, it will be a great day.