Jerry Leon Helms, 81, of Kearney, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
Jerry was born May 27, 1943, in Bethany, Missouri. He grew up in Cameron, Missouri, and graduated from Cameron High School in 1961.
Jerry married Joy Kratzer in Lathrop, Missouri, in 1963, and they made their home in Lathrop until 1998. They moved to Kearney in 1998. Jerry was a member of Northern Hills Baptist Church.
Jerry was an avid golfer for many years, competing in and winning many tournaments. He was an active trapshooter. He enjoyed sports, traveling, and attending all the activities his children and grandchildren were involved in.
Jerry was a supervisor at Allis Chalmers in Independence, Missouri, for over 20 years. He worked for Colgate-Palmolive for over 18 years. He worked for American Airlines for over 20 years and for the last 10 years, he worked for Gary Crossley Ford.
Jerry loved spending time with his family. He never met a stranger and loved talking to people. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Dewey C. Helms and Stella; three brothers, and two sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joy; daughters, Gina Kaut (Jason) and Nikki DeFries; grandchildren, Brooke Higgins (Colby), Brittany Assel (DeAndre), West DeFries (Kayla), and Raven DeFries; five great grandchildren, Allen James, Olive, Elijah, Reece, and Adaya; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
Services will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney, Missouri, with visitation from 11 a.m. to noon and the funeral service to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jerry™s name to St. Jude Children™s Hospital. Arrangements: Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney, Missouri; (816) 628-4411.
