Jerry Cecil Snethern was born to Cecil and Cordie (Harris) Snethern on October 12, 1947, in Mountain View, Arkansas. He entered into eternal rest on July 31, 2022, at 11:35 a.m. in the family home.
Jerry married Patricia Joyce Tharp on October 14, 1967, in West Plains, Missouri. To this union were added two children, four grandchildren, and eight, soon to be nine, great-grandchildren.
Jerry graduated from West Plains High School in 1966, he worked numerous occupations until finding his home and passion in the medical field. He worked many years in the medical field, which included 3 years at West Vue nursing home, 2 years as an EMT driving and working for Frank Hall founder of South Howell County Ambulance, and 12 years at OHC (formally known as West Plains Memorial Hospital). While working at the West Plains hospital (OHC), he received his Respiratory Therapy certificate from California University in 1982. Jerry retired from the Laclede County Medical Center in Lebanon, Missouri, in 1995 due to his deteriorating health. Prior to his retirement, he also worked as a reserve officer in the Howell County Sheriff’s Department and West Plains Police Department.
Jerry came to know the Lord as a teenager, and while attending church, he met the love of his life. He served in the Salvation Army from school age until his marriage in 1967. He then returned to West Plains, where he worked as a Sunday school teacher, active board member, and a church bus driver bringing several children to church over the years. Jerry’s lifelong devotion influenced many others in their walk with Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, 9 months, and 17 days, Joyce of the family home, two children, Melvin and wife Colleen Snethern of Couch, MO, and Belva and husband Gary VaLeu of Mountain View, MO; four grandchildren, Brittney and husband Sergio Ronzani of Peace Valley, MO, Elizabeth and husband Floyd Baxter of Campbell, MO, William and wife Ruby Snethern of Thayer, MO, and Whittney and husband David Drumright of Cabool, MO; nine great-grandchildren, Sophie, Jade, Wyatt, Zilynn, Kaleigh, Zinlee, Gracyn, Caroline, and one due in January; one brother, JB and wife Andi Snethern of Springfield, MO; nine sisters-in-law; nine brothers-in-law; and a large number of nieces and nephews.
Jerry was proceeded in death by his parents, Cecil and Cordi Snethern; mother and father-in-law, Loren and Loar Tharp; three sisters, Maxine Duncan, Louise Hall, and Debbie Greeson; four brothers, Buddy, Dean, JC, and Randall Snethern; five sisters-in-law; eight brothers-in-law; and multiple nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at Montier Church of God of Prophecy, Montier, Missouri with Rev. Melvin Snethern and Rev. Vic Elliott officiating. Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri. Interment will be in Oak Forest Cemetery, Birch Tree, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Forest Cemetery and left at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
