Jerry Dean Lumpe Sr.

Jerry Dean Lumpe, Sr.

Jerry Dean Lumpe, Sr., fine son, loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather and extraordinary friend, was born June 2, 1933 to W.J. "Pete" and Anna Lumpe in Lincoln, Missouri. He left his home, surrounded by family, to join his Heavenly Father on August 15, 2014.

Jerry was named after Jerry "Dizzy" Dean of the St. Louis Cardinals "Gashouse Gang". As a boy, he learned to fish from his maternal grandfather and the basics of baseball from his Dad. He became proficient at both.

Although a star basketball player at Warsaw High School, he loved baseball, and was signed to a professional baseball contract while still in high school by the legendary New York Yankee scout Tom Greenwade. In his off-season he played basketball for the then SMS Bears, and participated on two National Championship teams. While in college he met and married Vivian Arnaud of Monett, Missouri. They lived through the minor leagues, and Jerry's service in the Korean War, to enjoy his play in two World Series Championships for the Yankees. He later played as a standout for the Kansas City Athletics and Detroit Tigers. He was named to the American League All-Star Team in 1964. Jerry spent the 1971 season as first base coach for the Oakland Athletics.

After retirement from baseball he was involved in the banking and insurance businesses.

Jerry loved fishing, hunting quail, canoeing local rivers and anything to do with the outdoors. His most treasured times were those spent with his grandchildren at Tablerock Lake.

Jerry survived his beloved parents, brother Bill Lumpe, sister Betty Kammeyer, and nephew Steve Lumpe. He remained a steadfast uncle to Kathy, Doug, Ann and John. Also surviving are sister-in-law Mary Salm and husband Andy, sister-in-law Annabelle Walker, brother-in-law Dave Williams, brother-in-law Victor Arnaud and wife Betty, and many cherished nieces and nephews and extended family members.

Jerry is survived by his beloved Vivian, wife of 60 years, their daughter Celia "CeCe" Haden, her husband Grant, and children Jonathan, Ben and his wife Lauren, and Emily; son Jerry D. Lumpe, Jr. and his wife Karen of Boulder, Colorado, and their sons Jared and Aaron; and his fishing, movie and lunch buddy and son James R. "Jim" Lumpe of Ozark, Missouri.

To walk with Kings, and to keep the common touch, was one of Kipling's measures of a man. Jerry played and coached championship Major League baseball, wore (occasionally) a World Series ring, and was great friends and teammates with a long list of Hall of Famers. He also met regularly with his Warsaw High School friends and college buddies. He met with success in all endeavors, and retired at age 48 to enjoy his family, many friends, time at the lake and January in Florida. He never failed to sign an autograph, he looked for the good in all things, and his life was an inspiration to all that knew him.

Jerry's family would like to reach out to all the friends and family who know in their hearts that they were special to Jerry. This list is long, but you know who you are, and more to the point, Jerry knew and loved you.

Jerry was a lifelong Christian and services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2014 at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield with Greg Ellis officiating, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. There will be a reception following the service.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to The Good Samaritan Boys Ranch, Crosslines or to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gormanscharpf.com.