Jerry Ronald Degler

Jerry Ronald Degler, age 72, of Bolivar, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, Missouri after a short illness. Jerry was born on February 16, 1937 in the ruggedness of Superior, Wisconsin to Roy Henry and Marion Beatrice Shaw Degler. Roy and Marion have since passed away, but they were extremely proud of all of their children and provided them with the best childhood they possibly could. Roy was a forester, and passed away in 2000, and Marion was a homemaker, and passed away in 1997. Jerry found himself in the care of Baker Management Rescare and most recently Easy Living, Inc. of Bolivar, Missouri. He knew a host of caregivers, friends and acquaintances over the years and was a true friend and protector to them all. Jerry was always the first to offer a smile, a hug and an extreme amount of laughter to brighten your day and make you feel welcomed and loved as well. Jerry had a 29 year career at Enterprises Unlimited here in Bolivar. He started working there in 1980. He worked as a full time employee until recently when he went to part time. Jerry enjoyed a wide range of interests in his home and in the community. He loved helping his family of the home inside and out. He was always there to lend a hand. Jerry visited all of the local businesses and eating establishments including his favorites, Wal-Mart and The King. Jerry also enjoyed Esquire on Wednesday evening and Countryside Assembly Of God Church occasionally on Sundays. Jerry was always willing to try something new when his friends would suggest it. Jerry was an avid collector of Matchbox Cars/Trucks and was very proud of his collection Anytime a new person came into his life he would take them to his room and show off his possessions to them. Jerrys love for magazines started at a very young age of 3. For 69 years he thumbed through his magazines daily. Through them he would visit different parts of the world, saw all races of people and visited a score of businesses and homes of people he never knew. What an incredible imagination he must have had, and he kept it all to himself. Jerry leaves behind his brother, Ward and his wife Jeanne of Zionsville, Indiana, a sister, Shelley Dillmore and late husband Lindy of Peoria, Arizona, and a brother, Roger and wife Paula of Florence, Arizona, three special brothers of the home, Loren, Brad, Sean and numerous friends, caregivers, and surrogate family members. A graveside service will be held at 3:00pm, Friday, May 22, 2009 at the Old Bolivar City Cemetery (just North of the Dunnegan Art Gallery) with Reverend Gray Nordan officiating under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. There will be a song sang by Johnny Cash at the gravesite. A visitation will be from 1:30-2:30pm Friday prior to the graveside service at 3:00pm at the Butler Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Matt Oldenberg, Glen Gaither, Roger Degler, Ward Degler, Carl Pennell and Jerry Allen. Friends and family may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Jerry Ronald Degler

February 16, 1937 - May 19, 2009