Jerry French

September 2, 1934 - January 23, 2022

Jerry French of Rolla, Missouri passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at the age of 87. He was born on September 2, 1934 in Saltville, Virginia to the late Neal and Dorothy (Wilheit) French. Jerry grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana and graduated from McNeese State University. After graduation he went to work for the United States Geological Service in Rolla, Missouri, where he would retire after 35 years of service. He was united in marriage to the love of his life Miss Eunice Pelafigue on December 28, 1956, this union was blessed with four children. Jerry enjoyed the Rolla Community, and was a very active member of the Rolla Lions Club, working the Carnival and selling raffle tickets for many years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He turned a little hobby of his into a small business ( Poor Valley Bench Made Turkey Calls ) and made awesome turkey calls. Jerry loved doing anything outdoors and upon would spend many hours watching hummingbirds. Most importantly he adored his family, and dearly loved his kids, grandchildren and the many close friends he had gathered through the years. Survived by loving wife of sixty-five years, Eunice French of Rolla, Missouri; children, Steven French of Louisiana, Julia (Tommy) Burkett of Rolla, Missouri, Kenneth (Martha) French of Lecoma, Missouri and Thomas (Dana) French of Rolla, Missouri; grandchildren, Jermey Burns, Tiffany Dickens, Joshua French, Craig French, Brandi Williams, Shannon Pogue, Michael French, Mandi Boswell, Christopher French and Courtney French; sister, Sherry (Lee) Thornton of Louisiana; twenty-four great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Funeral service for Jerry French will be held at 2:00PM on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at the Rolla Chapel of the James and Gahr Mortuary with Father Greg Meystrik and Lindy Hardwick officiating. Interment will be held at the Rolla City Cemetery, Rolla, Missouri. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 5:00PM until 8:00PM at the Rolla Chapel of the James and Gahr Mortuary, Rolla, Missouri. Memorials are suggested to the Rolla Lions Club Foundation. Cards are available at all James and Gahr locations.