At 2:30 am on July 25, 2022, Jerry Lee Yeager, peacefully went home to be with Jesus. He was surrounded by his daughters, Shannon, Sissy and Gayle, his son in law Chuck, his youngest sister Cindy, and a team of nurses and aids who loved him dearly.
Jerry was born in Clinton, MO on February 24, 1936, to John and Flossie Yeager. Jerry grew up in Avondale, MO and went to NKC High School, he graduated in 1954. He was the quarterback of the football team and voted most athletic by his class. Jerry was a proud hornet until the day he died. He loved NKC and everything about it. He always longed to move back to Northtown, right up to the end.
Jerry was a huge football fan and although he had no sons, he volunteered his time and talents to coach little league football. He was a diehard Chiefs fan, a red Coat Member and season ticket holder for many years. He loved the Royals, he never missed watching a game.
Jerry was also a prominent member of the Kansas City JayCee’s for many years. He won multiple awards for his volunteer work in youth sports, leadership and community service.
Jerry met and married Carol Atwood and they raised three daughters: Shannon, Sissy and Gayle. Jerry was a lifelong member of Winnwood Baptist Church. He raised his daughters in the church and taught them the value of knowing Jesus.
Jerry had two 25-yearlong careers. He started at First National Bank in NKC when he was just 18 years old, he started as a loan officer and worked his way up to Vice President. Jerry attended and graduated from Harvard Business School where he was voted class president. He was then hired by Mercantile National Bank as President. He ended that career and went into real estate. He became a very successful realtor which led him to become the broker/manager of Remax of Kansas City, where he ultimately retired in 2003.
Jerry will be greatly missed, he had a fiery personality and a feisty sense of humor right up to the end. He was a great man and a great father and grandfather.
Jerry’s daughters would like to thank the nurses and aids at Pleasant Valley Manor who loved and took great care of him the last few months of his life, they would also like to thank the amazing staff at Ascend Hospice. Even though his time on hospice was short, they made the last couple of weeks and his passing peaceful and comforting. Jerry was truly blessed.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father John T Yeager, his mother Flossie Lee Yeager, his brothers Jim, John “Sonny” and Don Yeager. He is survived by his daughters Shannon (Traver) Bjornlie, Sissy (Chuck) Becvar, Gayle “Woggs” Yeager. His grandchildren Emily (Nick), Brooke, Taylor, Kelsie, Jacob, and Bailey. His great grandchildren Ella, Brayden, Evie and Emilia. He was also survived by his sisters, Yvonne “Sis” McFarland, Judy Hirsch, Cindy Rose, numerous nieces and nephews and some close lifelong friends.
Services for Jerry Yeager will be Saturday, July 30, 2022. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am with a service Celebration of Life immediately following. Service will be at Winnwood Baptist Church 4513 N Jackson Kansas City, MO 64117
The family invites you to join them for a reception/light lunch immediately following service at Code Dance Studio, 6609 Royal Street, Ste 101, Pleasant Valley, MO 64068
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Jerry’s name to Ascend Hospice
783 NE Anderson Lane, Lees Summit, MO 64064
The family would love for you to come prepared to share a fond memory or story of Jerry, to bring them comfort in their time of grief. For anyone who is unable to attend please feel free to leave a memory in the comments for them to read during the celebration. The family appreciates your continued prayers.
