Jerry Means

Jerry “Jack” Means, 84, of Wichita, Kansas passed on March 11, 2024. He was born in Wichita on April 6, 1939, to the late Clyde and Norma Means and was brother to sisters: Nadine, Joan, Lois, Beth, Shirley, Judy.

After graduating from Derby High School in 1957, he attended Southwestern College before joining the Kansas Army National Guard where various Army schools were added to his repertoire and where he earned the rank of Chief Warrant Officer.

When not securing our freedoms, he was busy raising sons, Ted and Jeff, where he enjoyed not only supporting them in their endeavors, but he gave them celebrated memories of not only their time together, yet the holidays where they spent making traditions such as full breakfast on Christmas morning, before opening gifts all while the movie “A Christmas Story” rang constant in the background. Independence Day meant a cookout and fireworks, and each Memorial Day meant a guaranteed visit to his parents' gravesite in Winfield.

Few people have ever loved the outdoors more than Jack. He looked forward to the opening of hunting season every fall and with his companions, dogs Rudy and Jeb by his side, he was out several times a week. If he wasn’t hunting, he was known to camp, ski, or take long road trips in rural Kansas or through the mountain states to the west where he took in the magnificence our country has to offer.

Jack had his hand in many things; however, he truly enjoyed woodworking and devoted many hours of his retirement to the creation of hand-crafted furniture and household ornaments; many of which were gifted to grateful family members. His children and their families were always welcome to use his workshop and tools for home repairs and DIY projects and they were always thankful for the “expert advice that was freely given.”

If not hunting, woodworking, or spending time in the great outdoors, he also enjoyed dabbling with automobiles, but most of all, he cherished every moment with his family and friends building a legacy to be remembered.

Jack in preceded by his parents, sisters, and hunting companions, Rudy and Jeb.

Those left to honor his memory include sons, Ted (Katherine) Means and Jeff (Tia) Means; sisters, Shirley and Judy; brother-in-law Dwight; grandsons, Triston and Jordan, granddaughter, Rylie, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Jerry will be held Friday, March 15, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and a funeral service will occur Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 10:00 AM, followed by a committal service in the Garden of Freedom, Lot 58B, Space 4. All at Resthaven Mortuary and Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Kellogg, Wichita, Kansas 67209.