Jerry Lee Salley died Thursday, June 10, 2010, at his home in Nixa, Missouri, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Jerry was born, May 31, 1931, on the family farm in Liberal, Kansas, to Hiram and Mozelle Salley.
As a young boy, he attended Liberty School in rural Seward County, not far from the family farm. After attending New Mexico Military during his teen years, he returned home, graduating from Liberal High School.
After graduation, Jerry started his career by working with his father in the family businesses of farming and ranching, as well as Salley Tire and Feed. He became a well-known figure in Seward County, with many business interests, including Salley RV Center, Salley Feed Company, and variety of other ventures. He retired and moved to Nixa, Missouri, in 2003.
Jerry had a love for classic cars, four-wheeling, and racing. His passion for cars started as a young man, when he began racing midgets. Over the years, his love of cars grew into a lifelong hobby of restoring classic autos—his collection is still maintained at his home and at the Branson Auto Museum.
He is survived by his wife Leola of Nixa, Missouri; his sons, Bill and wife Emma Jean of Liberal, Kansas; Craig of Denver, Colorado; Bruce and wife Theresa of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his daughters, Kay Owsley and husband Larry of Edmond, Oklahoma; Reenie Jackson of Liberal, Kansas; Jeanie Whited and husband Bill of Rochester Hills, Michigan; his step-daughter Michelle Turner and husband Greg of Wichita, Kansas; nephews Gregg Yocum and wife Susan of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Neal Wade Yocum and wife Angie of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; plus many other nieces, nephews, 25 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wives Jo in 1993 and Rosie in 2002, son Tim, and granddaughter Kim.
A memorial service will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, Springfield, Missouri, at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June, 14th, 2010. An additional memorial service will be held at a later date in Liberal, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorials to the American Cancer Society.