COL. Jerry Custead

COL. Jerry Russell Custead, PE (retired), 75, Kansas City, MO passed to the next life on July 12, 2007 at home with his wife by his side. A visitation will be held at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church, 7600 NW Barry Road, on Saturday, July 21st at 9:30 with a celebration of his life at 11:00. Jerry was born December 20, 1931 to Jack and Jeanette Custead in Independence, MO. Jerry graduated from the University of Missouri, Rolla Campus, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and received an Army Reserve Officer Commission. Later, he graduated from the Command and General Staff Officer College, Ft. Leavenworth, KS, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Ft. Meade, Maryland. He served 39 years in the US Army Corps of Engineers as a Reserve Officer, which included the 102nd Aviation Bn. and the 416th Engineer Command, receiving many honors and awards. He was also an Army Aviator, flying over 6000 hours in both helicopter and fixed wing aircraft. He was a sail boat enthusiast, having sailed in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Jerry had a dual career as a ?civilian soldier? and an engineer for Kansas City Power and Light Co., retiring as Northland District Manager in 1995 after 41 fulfilling years. His Christian faith began at a young age in the Community of Christ Church, where he later served as an Ordained Elder. His faith journey eventually led him to his present church, Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church, where he was embraced by a very loving and caring congregation. Here he served as a Deacon. As a dedicated volunteer, he faithfully served the following organizations: the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce, Safehaven-Synergy, Optimist Club, Platte County Economic Development Council, Club North, YMCA, United Way, Clay County EDC, Professional Engineers Society, Forward Kansas City, Jacomo Fleet, Reserve Officers Assn, Northland Symphony, Park University Friends and MSM Alumni Assn. He was preceded in death by his daughter Caren Kassen RN; his brother Gene; his sister Jackie Bradley and her husband George. He is survived by his wife Nancy (McBride) Custead and her two sons, Ben and Steve; and by Carlene West Custead, the mother of his two children; son David L. Custead, engineer; and daughter-in-law JoEllyn of Ft. Worth, TX and their three children Daniel, Marie, and Amy Custead; his son-in-law Kirby Kassen PE, Ft. Scott, KS and his five children, Chris, Kevin, Steve, Craig, and Kyle Kassen; one brother Dr. Wayne Custead and wife Audree; sister Jane DiCapo and husband Ross; and many caring nieces and nephews. Jerry will be remembered for his loving, up-beat personality and infectious smile. He lived a grateful life with the belief that his cup was always ?half full?. His favorite scripture was ?This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.? He lived this scripture faithfully during his fight against colon cancer. A private family cremation service will take place at Park Lawn Cemetery in KCMO. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church Building Fund or North Care Hospice.