Gerald Edward Box

Gerald (Jerry) Edward Box of Garden City, MO, loving husband and father of seven children, passed away on March 30, 2020 in Raymore, MO at the age of 84. He was the husband of Pearl Box. They shared 52 years of marriage together. Jerry was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to everyone.

Born April 16, 1935 in Spokane Washington, Jerry was the son of Charles Edward Box and Ida Bell Kyle. Jerry graduated from West Valley High School in May 1953 in Millwood WA and later obtained higher degrees at Crowder College in Neosho Missouri. Jerry spent 21 years in the United States Air Force and served in Vietnam receiving both the USAF Commendation Medal and Bronze Clasp with two loops. After his retirement from the Air Force, he worked for 10 years for the municipality of Neosho Missouri as Chief Water/Wastewater Operator before becoming a Superintendent of Wastewater Plant working for the Texas Department of Corrections. He was then promoted to Regional Environmental Coordinator working 10 years for the TDOC before retirement. Jerry was known as a hard worker his entire life.

Jerry enjoyed collecting things from all over the world from hats to coins to pens. Jerry’s biggest passion was cars that started in childhood. He enjoyed going to car shows and collecting model cars that ended up to over hundreds before his death. Jerry also loved working with animals - his favorites were rabbits and pigeons. In his later years, Jerry enjoyed working with goats and peacocks and the company of a cat on his lap. Jerry spent the majority of his life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many different capacities. Jerry had a great love for his Savior Jesus Christ and served his fellow men whenever possible. Jerry also spent a great many years serving in the Boy Scouts, teaching and molding young spirits. Jerry was known for his humor, his quick smile and his kind and compassionate spirit.

He is survived by his wife Pearl Box of Garden City, MO and his children Michael and Wendy Box of Independence, MO; James and Lorel Box of Sweet Springs, MO; Gerald (Jeremy) Box Jr. of North Hollywood, CA; Kenneth and Elizabeth Box of Marana, AZ; Kathrine Box of Garden City, MO; Rebecca Box of Garden City, MO and Paul and Kimberlee Box of Houston, TX. Jerry also leaves behind 22 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren. Jerry will be remembered for his generosity to all he came into contact with as well as his love and devotion to his family.

He is predeceased by his parents Charles (1966) and Ida Kyle Box (1982).

The family will schedule a memorial service to be held after distancing restrictions are lifted.

The interment will be Monday April 6, 2020 at 12 pm and the Missouri Veterans Cemetery @ Higginsville, Missouri.

Arrangements handled by McGilley & George Funeral Home.