Jerry K. Garland
Jerry K Garland, 64, of West St Louis County passed away on September 6, 2017 at Missouri Baptist Medical Center after a brave and hard fought battle with cancer.
Jerry was born August 13, 1953 in Landstuhl, Germany spending the first several years of his life in Toul, France. Jerry’s father served in the United States Army. His family traveled with him as he was regularly relocated in the US and overseas. Jerry and his parents lived in Ethiopia for about 5 years before his father retired and the family moved back to the St Louis area. He told wonderful stories about all the places they traveled. All through his life, Jerry continued to travel abroad and in the US never losing his wanderlust.
Jerry graduated from Brentwood High School in Brentwood, Missouri. He attended University of Missouri-Rolla and graduated from Washington University in St Louis.
Jerry spent most of his professional career in procurement, finishing his career with Illinois American Water as the Manager for Supplier Diversity, a position he was quite excited about.
Jerry was passionate about his participation in the Boy Scouts. He was the Scout Leader of Mike’s troop for several years and enjoyed the comradery of scouting, camping, and mentoring the boys, many through their Eagle Scout rank. He made many lifelong friends and continued to camp with the ‘dads’ even after their boys were grown.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Garland and his mother, Wanda Garland.
Jerry leaves behind his wife, Nora Hunter; his 5 children and step children, Azurdee Garland, Mike Garland, Stephen Schaefering and his wife Jessica, William Schaefering and his wife Terra, and Arielle Bell and her husband Matthew. He was an adoring DadDad to his 6 grandchildren, Leah, Matthew, Logan, Chloe, Gianna, and Davin. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Jerry will be greatly missed, he made us all better people.
Jerry’s Wake will be Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 4pm to 8pm at Family Partners, 12880 Manchester Road, St Louis, MO 63131. Family and friends bring a lawn chair, have a drink, share stories, and celebrate Jerry.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donations to Boy Scout Troop 792, c/o of Stacy Breckenridge, 132 Hollybend Ct., St Louis, MO 63021.
Jerry will be greatly missed. A better cousin no one could ever have. Your my favorite , lots 9f memories, of our two family together, Lulu was like a second mom to me. Your will be missed. Love to you family.
You were taken too soon, And in the short time that you spent with us at Ben’s birthday part I thought you were awesome.
Jer,
Our gentle giant teddy bear who we so deeply love. I am so grateful for the past 11 years getting to be apart of your wonderful family. You claimed me as one of your own and I am forever grateful for that. You were an amazing Husband, Father, & most of all the best Dad-Dad in the world. You always went above and beyond to make sure all of your family was taken care of and that we knew you loved us. Anyone who knows you is now a better person because of you. You have left an impact on not only my life, but Logan and Chloe’s life that will last a lifetime. You fought a fierce battle and though you are gone you will NEVER EVER be forgotten. We will take care of Mom and keep those lasting traditions we did together alive. As Stewart Scott said “When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live. So live live fight like hell, & when you get too tired to fight, then lay down and rest and let someone else fight for ya.”
Love you forever Jer,
Xoxox Jess ??????????????????
Dad no Lad, won’t be the same, NH-GSL-BSA won’t be the same, AmWater won’t be the same; but all are better for having known you my friend. Love, condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Nora, Mike, and all the family. You’re in our prayers and our future, come what may.
I’ve only known Jerry for a short period through his position as the Manager for Supplier Diversity and I agree he had a true passion for that role. I found Jerry to be genuinely a very caring and nice person. He will be greatly missed.