Ben Jerry Sykes

Ben Jerry Sykes (Jerry), M.Div., a beloved husband, father, pastor, and compassionate caregiver, passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer on March 4th at his home in Lake Tapawingo, Missouri, at the age of 82. Born in Athens, Texas, on August 20th, 1941, to Benjamin Jefferson Sykes and Francis Catherine Sykes, Jerry’s life was a testament to faith, service, and love.

Jerry's faith journey began early in life, and he pursued his passion for serving others. He completed a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) at Southwestern Bible College and furthered his education earning a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Texas Christian University. Equipped with his profound faith and education, Jerry embarked on a fulfilling, forty-plus year career as a pastor and caretaker; he left an indelible impact on the lives of those he encountered.

Throughout his career, Jerry's ministry extended into the community far beyond the walls of the church. He served students at Teen Challenge in Chicago, Illinois, and patients and families during his time in the Clinical Pastoral Education program at Baptist Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

While Jerry's professional service was his passion, his greatest joy was found in his family. Jerry was a pillar of strength and support for his spouse Melinda, with whom he shared a deep and abiding love, his sons Benjamin, Barrett, and Kyle, daughter Katherine, daughter-in-law Setal, and two grandchildren Beckett and Brenner, to whom he passed on his hunger for learning and his love of the natural world.

In addition to his immediate family, Jerry leaves behind two siblings, Sandra Farrow and Timothy Sykes, Timothy’s wife Pam, many nieces, nephews, and a vast community of lives who were deeply touched by him.

His hobbies included gardening, reading, fishing, drinking (good) coffee, and sharing the gospel with all who would listen. Jerry’s legacy of love and service will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to know him; he will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.

Visitation and funeral services for Jerry will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM respectively; friends and family will gather to honor Jerry’s memory and remarkable life. Funeral Services will be Live Streamed: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/57557208

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to City Union Mission (cityunionmission.org) or Colonial Presbyterian Church (colonialkc.org/give/).