Gerald Leo Derrossett, the son of Charles Leo and Eula Francis (Blunk-Derrossett) Perry, was born in Watson, Missouri on February 22, 1941. He began his early education at Watson public school and then attended high school in Rock Port, Missouri. His love was football until he broke his leg as a junior. He also loved working on and restoring cars; stating that Chevy’s were the only cars or pickups to own.

He met Lois Marie Barnett on a street corner in Rock Port, and Lois thought, he was the best looking man she ever saw. They became inseparable and 3 1/2 months later, on June 28, 1961, were united in marriage. It was love at first sight.

They made their home in Tarkio Missouri. The next year, they had a little girl and named her Toni Lynn, she was the light of their life. In two years, Todd Darrell was born and they thought their family was complete. Then came Trudi Ann (her Daddy’s favorite!!). When Trudi was 3 months old, they found out they were having another baby. Traci Lea was born one year and four days later. She was a surprise to everyone.

The family lived in Tarkio while Gerry worked on the construction of Interstate 29. He also was a mechanic at the Ford Garage, and built homes, which he loved the most. He later worked for Eaton Corporation, Shenandoah, Iowa until 1982, when they moved to Washington State, where he was employed by the oil refineries. In 1995, they moved back to Missouri and made their home in Fairfax, to help care for their two grandsons.

Gerry returned to building homes until March 2008 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He had surgery and started his journey to recovery.

Their first grandson, Tanton Nicholas Ray was born March 27, 1989, followed by Tristan Earl Ray, October 29, 1994, Kolbe Layne Cooper, June 26, 1998, Markus James Derrossett, October 10, 1998, Hannah Ruth Solwold, May 1, 1999, Kilea Marie Cooper, November 7, 2001, Kaden Alan Cooper, November 11, 2002, and last of all, Haylea Marie Solwold, October 23, 2003. They were the love of their lives.

Gerry was a member of the Eagles Club, the JJ Cruisers Car Club and the International Union of Petroleum Workers.

Gerry lost Lois, the love of his life, on June 4, 2009. He died of a broken heart, longing to be with his “Pretty Women” as he so often referred to her, on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at his home in Fairfax. He joined Lois three and a half months after her death. They were destined to be together.

Gerry is preceded in death by his loving wife Lois, his parents and step-father Charles Perry. Survivors include his four children, Toni Ray, and her husband, Morris, Fairfax, Todd Derrossett, and his wife, Melody, Burlington, Washington, Trudi Solwold, and her husband, Brad and Traci Cooper, all of Fairfax; 8 grandchildren, Tanton and Tristan Ray, Markus Derrossett, Hannah and Haylea Solwold and Kolbe, Kilea and Kaden Cooper; brother and sister-in-law, Chuck and Beth Derrossett, sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Bud Harger, all of Rock Port; numerous nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Monday, September 28, 2009 at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.
A private inurnment will be held at a later date at Home Cemetery, Tarkio, Missouri.
Memorials: Gerry Derrossett Memorial Fund.
Online condolences and obituaries at www.minterfuneralchapels.com
Services: Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.