Gerald (Jerry) Ray McCandless, age 93, of O’Fallon, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on December 31, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Jerry was born on November 17, 1932, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Harry L. and May D. (Conger) McCandless. He was the youngest of three boys.

Here’s a glimpse into Jerry’s life: As a child, he remembered always running—whether heading to or from grammar school, which somehow always seemed uphill both ways. He participated in Cub Scouts and often helped on his grandparents’ farm. In the late 1940s, you’d likely find teenage Jerry outdoors with his baseball glove and ball, anxiously awaiting someone to join him in a game. His love for baseball led him to play for the Jr. American Legion, Kiwanis League, and Kansas City Ban-Johnson League, where he pitched several no-hitters, hit home runs, and made game-winning plays for his teams at Crysler Stadium in Independence, Missouri.

Jerry graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1951, then earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Finlay Engineering College in Kansas City. He began his career as a Cartographic Draftsman at Maps Service Company.

He served overseas as a Countermeasure Research Specialist in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning a National Defense Service Medal and an honorable discharge as a Corporal.

After completing his military service, he relocated to Arizona, where he met Marilyn—describing their meeting as love at first sight. They married in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1957.

After a short time residing in Arizona, Jerry relocated to his hometown of Independence, Missouri, where he and Marilyn spent the next 35 years and raised their two daughters.

In the 1960s, Jerry obtained his private pilot’s license and loved the freedom of flying a Taylorcraft Taildragger, which gave him many happy memories. You would often see him scanning through a Flying magazine, find him listening to his hand-held aviation radio, or see him at the community airport admiring the airplanes.

He worked as an engineer estimator for several general construction companies in Kansas City, spending much of his time reviewing blueprints and visiting job sites to secure bids.

Jerry’s love for the outdoors was evident in the many camping trips he took with his family, especially to their favorite campground, Watkins Mill State Park. Early in the morning, you would hear the crackling of a campfire, only to find Jerry tending to the fire, getting the coffee and breakfast ready. Other favorite destinations included the vibrant autumn colors of Branson, MO, and the breathtaking scenery of the Colorado mountains in the summer. 

His sense of humor was irresistible; he had a knack for telling jokes that would leave everyone chuckling. He always had a special fondness for Gary Larson’s Far Side comics, and his laughter was contagious, making sure everyone around him couldn’t help but join in the fun.

Jerry and Marilyn liked to take Sunday drives, not knowing where their destination might take them, stopping along the way for sandwiches in small towns and having a picnic in the park. Throughout their 53 years of marriage, you would often hear them singing their theme song, “Side by Side.”

When Jerry was in his early 80s, he traveled with his brother Delbert via cruise lines to various countries around the world, with the most memorable voyages being the Panama Canal, Nova Scotia, Turks & Caicos, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, the Hawaiian Islands, Bermuda, and Alaska. 

He was an ardent reader, especially of David McCollough and Ken Follett. He frequently revisited Shakespeare’s works and Les Misérables, as well as reading the top 10 best-selling historical fiction books to date. You would often find him re-reading his favorite book, Centennial, by James A. Michener, which he had read at least six times. He was a geography enthusiast, he kept a large map on his wall, looking at it often for places of reference that were mentioned in the books he was currently reading. His hobbies included bicycling, hiking, and dancing when he thought no one was watching, playing the piano, painting, writing poetry, enjoying musicals, and instrumental music. Just four days before his passing, he played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the piano, flawlessly.

Throughout his life, Jerry was an avid sports enthusiast with a competitive spirit. He excelled in various sports, including single and league pool (pocket Billiards), league bowling, avid golfer, and league horseshoes. Over the years, he received numerous awards and trophies for his achievements. Even at 91, he stayed involved by playing in a competitive pool league with his buddies in St. Charles County, earning multiple individual awards and team trophies. In his free time, he enjoyed cycling along the Katy Trail and exploring new hiking locations.

Jerry was strong, independent, and intelligent, but also gentle, humble, and caring—a truly genuine person with a good heart. He devoted himself to his family, and he tended to be reserved, often choosing to observe from the sidelines. While he didn’t aim for the spotlight, he still valued being involved in the activities around him. He chose his words carefully and, with his strong vocabulary, made consulting a dictionary a necessity.

Jerry was recognized as a dedicated husband who held Marilyn in high regard. He often expressed that his marriage to her and the birth of their two daughters were among his most significant achievements, and he consistently took pride in his role as their father. Jerry valued family time, frequently reflecting on meaningful experiences and contributing to lasting memories as a proud father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and uncle.

Jerry will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew him. He is survived by his daughters, Kathy Burmahl, and Sandy (Steve) Kelly; his grandchildren, Christophere Burmahl, Shayna (Hayden) Kelley, Marissa (Jordan) Pangborn, and Monica Kelly; his great-grandchildren, Brenner Kelley, Teagan Kelley, and Raelynn Pangborn, plus many more extended family members. Jerry was preceded in death by the love of his life, wife Marilyn (Holdcraft) McCandless (2010); his parents; and his eldest brother Richard E. McCandless (2004). 

The family sincerely thanks his care team at Breeze Hospice of Missouri for their dedication, support, and guidance during this challenging time, with special appreciation extended to Penny, Amanda, Katie, and Lynetta.

At his request, there will be no services or Celebration of Life; Jerry’s body will be cremated. 

Please consider donating to the American Heart Association www.heart.org