Jerry Jene Grider
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Jerry Jene Grider, 87, of Kansas City, Missouri, died peacefully at home May 19, 2020 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. A memorial service will be held when social distancing requirements and good sense indicate it is appropriate.
Jerry was born on October 15, 1932 in Dade County, Missouri to John Austin and Edna Muriel Everett Grider. After graduation from Greenfield High School, he began his career as a carpenter. On February 10, 1952, he married Carolyn Joe Baker—a marriage that lasted 68 years and never lost its romance. Jerry and Carolyn were blessed with six children, five surviving into adulthood. He was a Union carpenter and worked throughout the Kansas City area, eventually becoming the owner of Plaza Construction Company.
He and Carolyn traveled through the world, including trips to London and Paris with grandchildren.
The family attended Central Christian Church, Kansas City, Missouri until 1973, where Jerry taught the high school Sunday School class and served in many leadership roles.
Jerry was an elder emeritus of Raytown Christian Church, where he sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, was a bus driver/sponsor for the youth groups and Inspirations youth choir trips, chaired the general board, and made innumerable visits to sick, hospitalized, and shut-in members. He often sang to those he visited, as well as at funerals and wherever he was! He was a volunteer at the Micah Ministry and served on the Tall Oaks Camp board.
Jerry’s goal was always to love—he believed the gospel was summed up in the word “love.” He always tried to interact lovingly with those he encountered, particularly children, and he had a song ready for everyone.
He is survived by his wife Carolyn, their children and spouses Jean and Keith Mercer, Karen and Dave Seely, Lea and Terry Young, Jon and Sauna Grider, and Mark and Amy Grider. Their son Jay Everett died in childhood.
Jerry is also survived by their grandchildren Kris Mercer, Lynn Mercer, April (Seely) and Aaron Williams, Joe and Morgan Seely, Zach and Lindsay Seely, Blaine and Jessica Grider, Mollie Grider and Allan Newberry, and Alex Grider. Their granddaughter Michelle Seely died in infancy.
Jerry’s great-grandchildren are Layla and Opal Williams, Owen and Foster Seely, William Grider, and Jazmen and Jaylen Newberry.
Chris and Kyle Dahlquist are family, as are our Italian AFS exchange student Maria Lotti and her family.
Jerry’s sister Maysel White, sister-in-law Virginia Grider, brother Charles Grider, brother and sister-in-law Carl and Darlene Grider, sister-in-law Francine Grider, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Max and Peggy Baker also survive, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Gratitude belongs to devoted caregivers Judy Sloan, Tiffany Robins, and particularly Angelita Crater, who made it possible for him to remain at home in the loving care of Carolyn and his family.
His life was blessed, and he was a blessing! We hope memories of Jerry will be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
Donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Micah Ministry (606 Gladstone Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64124,) Raytown Christian Church (6108 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 64133) or Alzheimer’s research (KU Alzheimer’s Disease Center, KU Clinical Research Center, 4350 Shawnee Mission Parkway, MS 6002, Fairway, KS 66205.)
It was a blessing to know Jerry. I am so glad that my brother Terry found Lee and is part of such a loving and kind Christian family! I will never forget how kind Jerry was to call and talk and visit and sing with my Dad, Edward Young over the phone many times. It was s blessing to my dad, i know. Big hugs and love to the whole family. While I do not know many of you well, I feel a part of your family also. God bless you all at this difficult time.
We want to express our deepest sympathy in the passing of Jerry. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carolyn and the family.
Robin and Paul Eaton
My prayers and my thoughts remain with you and the family, Carolyn. You did well by Jerry and can be proud of the love and care you provided to him throughout your time together. I pray that you find comfort in the days to come and that good memories will replace the sadness that you feel at this time. God speed, Darin Morgan
I will always remember and treasure the times Jerry spent with my Mom, Juanita McClellan and her friends in the nursing home singing and joking with them. There were times when Jerry and Mosha sang duets for them. He was loved by many and will be missed greatly.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have very happy memories of being at your house when we were in High School. I am thiking good thoughts for you and your family.
Carolyn, I’m so sorry to read of Jerry’s passing. I’m grateful you were able to care for him at home. This adjustment is huge but Jesus carries us through. Your family’s in my prayers. Sincerely, Suzanne McCord (friend of Peggy and Max)
So many memorable stories shared by Lea…he was clearly a treasure.
Glenn and Evelyn Coker
May 23, 2020 at 2:45 pm
We have many great memories of Jerry. He was a lot of fun. He always looked on the bright side of life. Many memories
of his spiritual knowledge. He was very devoted to his family and friends. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family at this
sad time.
Jerry is singing in heaven. He always had a smile. I am thinking of all of you. He will be missed but your memories will last forever.
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I so remember Jerry. He was a blessing to Raytown Christian Church. My prayers are with all the family.
Carolyn, I haven’t seen you and Jerry in 20 years, but I feel your presence like it was yesterday. Only a few special people make such a lasting, loving impression on one’s heart. Your steadfast love and support of the teenagers at RCC will never be forgotten. You lived your Christianity and shared God’s love through your actions. My heart goes out to you now, but I know you feel the peace of God at this time more than ever. My sons and I are sending loving thoughts to you and your family. Pamela Mace Chase, Jeremy and Joshua Mace
I would like to leave my condolences to Carolyn and family. Jerry would always come and visit me when I was in hospital, pray with me and sing me some songs. I could not figure out how he would find out when I was in hospital and which one.
Jerry was such a blessing to many just as you and your family are. Hugs and prayers.
Steve and Robin Smith
To the Grider Family, The Witmer and Schlosser Family is sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. At the same time we celebrate
the meeting with his Savior. So bittersweet he knew all of his family and friends waiting for his arrival. I bet he burst into
song. Hallelujah! Standing in front of his Master you can hear “Well done, good and faithful servant!” How many friends
and family he served and including ours. Thank you Jerry! We love you all and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Norm Witmer, Dean Witmer and John & Brenda Schlosser
I had the pleasure of working for Jerry when he was a superintendent for a local construction company. He was always very fair, but wanted to see the job done right. I remember his kindness and sense of humor as well. He once took me out to lunch while working a job in Lee’s Summit. He asked me about my family which I thought was very nice.
Now that I look back, it was obvious he was a Christian man, and it certainly showed through in the way he interacted with people.
Sincere condolences to the family.
Roger Fox
Sweet Carolyn and the rest of Jerry’s family, I just learned today of your loss. I met Jerry at Micah Ministries as one of his fellow volunteers and was certainly blessed to have known him. May your memories of such a gentle soul comfort you.
We have many great memories of Jerry and the Grider family at Raytown Christian Church and more recently serving at Micah. To Carolyn and all the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always think of Jerry when serving at Micah.
In Christ, Jeanné and Joe Willerth
Carolyn and Grider Family,
Our love is with you as well, along with so much gratitude for you all, and Jerry, as part of our church family, and instrumental in providing 8 memorable, meaningful, and safe choir trips for our sons. Love to you all!