After graduating high school in Mountain Home, AR in 1957, Jerry joined the Marines for a 2 year stint. Upon completion of his commitment, he moved back to Harrisonville and set his sights on employment and raising a family. He was successful on both accounts, landing a job with General Motors in Kansas City that would last for over 30 years and then marrying LaDona Sue Moreland in July 1960 for a partnership that would endure for 52 years. That marriage produced three children; Sheri, Sindy and Kevin.
Jerry was a devoted father and husband. His activities ranged from building and erecting one of the most detailed Christmas displays seen in the 1960s to coaching little league baseball and football for his children and grandchildren along with being involved in the community via The Optimist Club and The Lions Club. He also served on the Harrisonville City Council for two terms. And mainly, Jerry made sure his family attended church every Sunday morning and evening along with most Wednesday night services too.
After retirement from General Motors in 1990, Jerry took his relationship with God to another level by becoming a full-time assistant pastor at Church on the Rock in Harrisonville. In addition to being a pastor, Jerry decided that he wanted to help a friend who had a drywall business and became a “sheet rocker” in the early 1990s for close to 10 years.
Jerry (now retired again) and Sue moved to the Atlanta area in 2006, following two of their three children in seeking a better winter climate. Jerry then chose to apply his wisdom in a family business venture, working alongside his son and one son-in-law. Just like that, he was getting back into the work environment for another new career that lasted for six more years.
2012 was tumultuous year for Jerry. His wife Sue passed away, he retired for a fourth time and then attempted to adapt to a “widower” lifestyle. He was not equipped for those conditions and decided he should seek another change. He was going to find a new life mate.
In January of 2014 Jerry married Joni Morgan, beginning a new chapter for both of them and their families. In a marriage that lasted 10 years, they became one.
He is survived by his wife Joni and his three children; Sheri Raine and spouse John, Sindy Strader and spouse Dan, Kevin Stewart and spouse Kathryn. Seven grandchildren; Kristen Raine Hocker and spouse Scott, Brian Raine, Jason Strader and spouse Jessica, Lauren Strader Charriez and spouse George, Kyle Stewart and spouse Michelle, Kasey Stewart Dolph and spouse Aaron, Keaton Stewart. Ten great grandchildren; Lucas Hocker, Lucy Hocker, Maddie Gentry Raine, Max Raine, Katie Jo Strader, McKenzie Strader, Claire Dolph, Penelope Dolph, Scarlett Stewart, Theodore Stewart.
