Jerry Petty of Wheatland, Missouri wishes were to be cremated. A memorial graveside service and inurnment with Military Honors will be 11 a.m. February 22, 2025 at Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri. His Celebration of Life will be 1:00 p.m. February 22 at Modern Brick in Butler. His family asks that you pour a cold one, tell an inappropriate joke, and remember Jerry the way he wanted: laughing, swearing, and shaking your head in disbelief of what may have just come out of his mouth! In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you make a donation to Rapid Response Charities. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri (660-679-6555). Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
Jerry Dean Petty, age 74 of Wheatland, Missouri passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.
Jerry was born November 15, 1950 to John and Peg (Summers) Petty in Wagner, South Dakota. Jerry, the middle of five children, lived several places before the family settled back in Adrian, Missouri. Jerry was a member of the Adrian High School Class of 1969.
Jerry married Nancy Richards on February 1, 1969 and to this union, two daughters were born, Kelli and Karli. He joined the United States Navy in 1970 and served two years during Vietnam on the USS Ranger. He and Nancy then made their home in Adrian. The rest of his career was spent driving a truck.
Jerry was a proud member of the VFW. He was serving as Post Commander of the Galmey Post at the time of his death.
Jerry loved Busch Light, fast cars and making people laugh. He would literally give anyone the shirt off his back, except maybe his wife. Many referred to him as “Big Papa” although he only had 10 actual grandkids, he acquired countless over the years, all of which fought over who was his favorite. Jerry was a local legend. He was the guy you called when your motor wouldn't start, your deck needed fixing or you just needed someone to have a drink with. He never told you he couldn't help, even if his family complained about it.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, John Petty; father and mother-in-law, Gene and Betty Richards; and a sister, Cheryl Bagby. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Petty of the home; his mother, Peg Petty; two daughters, Kelli Heckadon (Perry) of Butler, Missouri and Karli Romine (Ken) of Lansing, Kansas; 10 grandchildren, Danika (Rocky), Drew, Chase (Gretchen), DeMarco, Peyten, Tristen, Kolt, Jaylon, Wyatt and Kole; and three brothers, Steve (Linda), Denny and John "Bufe" (Jonna) Petty. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
