Jerry F Graham, age 86, of Springfield, Missouri, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 11, 2023, at Mercy Hospital after a short illness. Jerry was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing. Jerry was born to Edward and Clara (Bargen) Graham on January 23, 1937 in Aurora, MO. He was raised in Springfield, MO and graduated from Springfield High School in 1955. Jerry joined the Navy Reserve at age 17 with the permission of his father and remained in the service for eight years where he served as a radar operator. While working at Union National Bank, Jerry met and fell in love with the love of his life, Loris “Vi” Moore. They were united in marriage on July 10, 1960 in Springfield, MO. The couple were blessed with 2 sons, Stephen and Kevin.

Jerry was employed in the finance and banking industry for over 50 years, where his final position was Vice President of Guaranty Bank. After his retirement Jerry worked evenings at Greenlawn South Funeral Home where he greeted families at the door and made them feel welcome.

When not working, he spent a large amount of time giving back to the community. He volunteered at Crosslines with his brother, Bill, and at The Kitchen as

well as tutoring students in mathematics at Horace Mann elementary.

Jerry was very active in his local congregation at St. John’s United Church of Christ Chapel where he served on the church council, taught Sunday school an sang in the choir for over 70 years.

Jerry enjoyed watching any baseball game and looked forward to spring training because it meant the start of a new season. He also played competitive fast and slow pitch in Springfield church league softball until he hung up his spikes and glove at age 43.

Nothing brought him more fulfillment than being with his family and friends. Jerry most enjoyed Sunday family gatherings, filled with love and laughter at grandma Graham’s house. The family looked forward to eating grandma’s famous fried chicken or meatloaf, having a delicious bowl of homemade ice cream on a summer day after a competitive game of kickball or whiffle ball with the entire family. Up until recently, Jerry enjoyed having Sunday night family dinners with hamburgers, steak, lasagna or pizza.

Jerry will be remembered as a loving husband, an amazing father, doting grandfather and a wonderful great grandfather.

He was often described by others as a generous and giving man who worked hard and dearly loved his family. He was indeed a “class act”.

Jerry was preceded in death by his spouse, Loris “Vi” Graham; father, Edward Graham; mother, Clara Graham, siblings Jim, Pete, Bobby, and Betty. He is survived by his son Stephen Graham and wife Lori; son Kevin Graham and wife Amy; grandchildren Kyle, Kinsley, Jordan, Andrew and Erick Rikard, great granddaughter Kiernan, as well as a new great granddaughter due in Spring of 2024. He also leaves behind a host of family and friends and many members of his church congregation.

A visitation for Jerry will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 6-8 pm at St. John’s Chapel United Church of Christ, 4344 S Fremont Ave, Springfield, MO 65804. Graveside Service for Jerry will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Jerry’s memory to C.A.R.E. animal rescue.

The family would like to send a special thank you to all the healthcare staff at Mercy Hospital for their special care given to Jerry.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home South.