Jerry L. Painter
1934 – 2013
Rock Port, Missouri

Jerry L. Painter, the son of Merl Edward and Agnes (Hurst) Painter, was born February 28, 1934, in Springfield, Illinois. He graduated from high school and entered the United States Air Force on July 16, 1952. Jerry service spanned three decades and included tours overseas during the Vietnam War. After 21 years, Jerry retired as a highly decorated Technical Sergeant with numerous awards for distinguished service. He received his honorable discharge July 31, 1973.

Jerry was soon after employed, for another 21 years, as an over the road truck driver for Yellow Freight Systems, retiring in 1994. On February 11, 1996, Jerry was united in marriage to Lela Jackson. They made their home in the Phelps City, Missouri, area.

Jerry was an amazing artist and would draw vivid images representing his emotions at the moment. Jerry was a devoted husband to, Lela, and was truly heartbroken when she passed away on July 4, 2011. Jerry passed away Saturday, June 1, 2013, at his home in Rock Port, Missouri, at the age of 79.

Besides his parents and wife, Lela, Jerry was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas M. Painter. Survivors include two step-daughters, Amy Matzen, Blair, Nebraska, and Lanie Smith, Lawrence, Kansas; step-son, Phillip Bendon and wife, Samantha; nine step-grandchildren, Jared, Donnie, Ashley, Ryan, Drew, Jacob, Gabriel, Evan and Thaddeus; and two sisters, Nancy Clanney, Springfield, Illinois, and Joann Damarin, Mount Pulski, Illinois.

Memorial Service:
11:00 A.M., Friday, June 7, 2013, Linden Christian Church, Rock Port.
There is no visitation.
Inurnment: Linden Cemetery, Rock Port.
Memorials: Jerry Painter Memorial Fund
Military rites provided by Whiteman Air Force Base uniformed service members.
Online obituaries and condolences at www.minterfuneralchapels.com
Services: Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.