Gerald Lee "Jerry" Mershon

Gerald ("Jerry") Lee Mershon, 85, of Buckner, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2015 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Born on March 22, 1930, Jerry was the third of Roger and Mildred Mershon's ten children. He began his long career in farming as a young boy when he would help on the family farm by disking the fields with a team of draft horses. Jerry had many fond memories of walking to Reber Grade School with his brothers and sisters. After school, they tended to numerous farm chores.

Jerry was very active at Buckner High School where he was a 2-year letterman in track, a 3-year letterman in basketball, a 4-year letterman in football and served as the captain of the football team. In addition, Jerry served as the president of the student body. He earned a football scholarship at William Jewell College where, early in the season, he led the nation in rushing yards. In order to receive a degree in Agriculture, Jerry transferred to the University of Missouri where he earned a football scholarship and was a starting cornerback for the Tigers.

Upon graduating, Jerry served two years in the Navy in Bethesda, Maryland and earned an Honorable Discharge. He then returned home to Buckner and married Louise Hamilton. Jerry and Louise were destined to be together from the time they first met in the 8th grade. Louise was a flight attendant for TWA prior to their marriage. When Jerry and Louise married, they purchased farm land in Buckner and began a family.

Jerry was a very devoted and dedicated family man, and he was loved and admired by all who knew him. His work ethic, kindness, humility, honesty, integrity and joy made him an inspiration. Jerry would want no praise or attention for his contributions, but he was an important part of the Buckner community. He volunteered his time to help the Fort Osage High School football team where his younger brothers played, drove the hayride at the annual Buckner Fall Festival and shoveled snow from the church parking lot and neighbors' driveways. He also served in a number of capacities at the Buckner United Methodist Church where he was baptized and was a lifelong member. Jerry always had a friendly smile, listening ear and helping hand. His Christian principles were evident in how he lived his life. He never had an unkind word to say about anyone, and his positive attitude shined through in the constant twinkle he had in his eyes. During his 12-year battle with Parkinson's Disease, he never uttered a complaint or asked, "Why me?" In fact, he would often say, "I'm the luckiest guy in the world."

Jerry will be greatly missed by but will live on in the hearts of Louise, his loving and devoted wife of 55 years; Tonya (Carrie), Dana Rutscher (Steve) and Brad, his proud children; and Cody, Jared, Gabe and Catie, his four adoring grandchildren. He will also be missed by his four brothers, Ed (Pam), Richard (Sue), Tom (Janet) and Jack (Priscilla); his four sisters, Marilyn Pick, Joanne Ehlers (Dean), Barb Querry and Linda Powell (Bill); his sister-in-law, Carolyn Mershon; and their families. Jerry was preceded in death by Louise's and Jerry's stillborn son, Mark Brandon; his parents, Roger and Mildred Mershon; and his brother, Waldo.

Jerry's many friends, family and neighbors are welcome to attend his visitation services at the Buckner United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 29th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and/or his funeral services at the Buckner United Methodist Church on Monday, March 30th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Buckner United Methodist Church. Please share fond memories and condolences at www.speakschapel.com. (Arr: Speaks Buckner Chapel 816-650-5555)