McCrary, Jerry B. 1942-2024 St. Joseph, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
Jerry Bob McCrary, 81, St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.
He was born Oct. 28, 1942, in Stanberry, Missouri, to Columbus and Marie (Wiederholt) McCrary.
Jerry married Joyce Sharp of Gentry, Missouri, on Aug. 13, 1962. To this union three children were born, Jerry Allen McCrary, Robert McCrary, and Bradley McCrary.
He loved his time with the boys growing up in Boy Scouts, especially their Pinewood Derby races. The boys remember his love for sports and his drive for perfection. His voice could be heard throughout the ballpark at every game.
He joined the Air Force right out of high school and honorably served for four years from 1960-1964 as a jet engine mechanic on B-52s at the Strategic Air Command. He was so proud of the time he served and his family and friends loved his endless tales.
After the service, Jerry worked at Ford Motor Company as a welder from 1964-1965. His true love of airline mechanics led him to TWA in 1966 and he retired from American Airlines in 2003.
He was a member of the Moila Shrine, Knights of Columbus, and recently received his 20-year membership pin from the American Legion 464 of Conception, Missouri.
Jerry will always be remembered for his unmatched work ethic, willingness to serve, big heart, witty jokes, and famous one-liners.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Columbus and Marie McCrary; in-laws, Rev. Homer and Anna Belle Sharp; sister, Dorothy McCrary; brothers-in-law, James Burks, Larry Hunsucker, and Roger Anthony; sister-in-law, Kathryn Anthony; and step-grandchild, Lance Word.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Joyce; sister, Rose Weathermon; brother, Ronnie (Billie) McCrary; sons, Jerry Allen (Annaliza) McCrary, Robert (Lisa) McCrary, and Bradley McCrary; grandchildren, Trevor (Chelsea) McCrary, Bryce McCrary, Malyssa (Josh) Garner, and Baleigh (Josh) Carrithers; great-grandchildren, Karsen Garner, Presleigh and Jaxen Carrithers; step-grandchild, Carl Ranada; and multiple deeply loved and appreciated nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10 a.m. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Greenridge Cemetery, Gentry, Missouri. The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
The family suggests memorial contributions to American Legion Post 464 or Greenridge Cemetery, c/o Sue Hopkins, 2795 507th Road, Gentry, MO 64453.
Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
