Jerry Thomas England

Jerry England, aged 85, passed away on July 5, 2023, at home surrounded by family after a several year battle with dementia. Jerry was born in Imboden, Arkansas on Sept 5, 1936, to Otis England and Lola Hedrick England. Jerry described the difficulties growing up in a small town where he struggled to walk uphill both to and from school. Always a kidder, Jerry also told stories of avoiding trouble during shenanigans with his cousin Etta. Jerry enjoyed being an only child until age 14, when a baby brother was born followed by a baby sister, much to his chagrin.
The family moved to Sunflower, Kansas, for work and to be near family. Jerry graduated from De Soto High school in 1954, with a class of 34 students. Searching for work while living in a boarding house in Kansas City, Jerry met a smooth-talking Air Force Recruiter who fairly simply convinced Jerry to sign up.
Jerry left for training and completed Dental Technician Instruction at US Naval Dental Technicians School in 1955 in Great Lakes, Ill. Jerry was eventually deployed to the RAF station in Upper Hayford, Oxfordshire, England. In July 1957, Airman First Class Jerry received a Letter of Commendation "For spirit of teamwork and quiet achievements in the overall function of the dental clinic... Your sincere desire to excel reflects great credit upon you, this facility and the 3919 Air Base Squadron."
Jerry met Margaret Ruler on a blind date at the Britannia Pub in Bermondsey, London. (Rumor has it that her sister Josie was supposed to go on the date but backed out and sent Peggy in her place). Apparently, the date went well because they were married on December 28, 1957. They celebrated nearly 63 years of marriage before Margaret's death in 2020.
The couple spent two years living in England and enjoying London's nightlife with Margaret's close-knit family and friends.
In August 1958, Jerry received a Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged 25 April 1959. Jerry had been in the Air Force for four years, serving three years overseas. The couple moved to the United States, and settled in Kansas City, Missouri.
Jerry enrolled in college and began working at Western Electric. He also worked evenings at a gas station to make ends meet. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Finley Engineering College, Kansas City, Missouri in 1962. And he gained his Professional Engineer license from the State of Missouri in 1968.
Jerry began his engineering career at Bendix (now AlliedSignal/Honeywell). In 1970 he joined the Kansas City Power & Light Company and advanced from System Planning Engineer to Superintendent of the Grand & Northeast Power Plants, Plant Manager at Montrose Generating Station, and Plant Manager at LaCygne Power Plant.
Working overtime during his early years at KCPL, Jerry invested his extra pay into a lot on the Lake of the Ozarks near long time family friends the Kahls and the Rogges. Over many years and with the help of his son David and son-in-law Robert, Jerry cleared the land, laid miles of concrete sidewalks, built a boat house, a boat skid and launch rails, and a dock. He was a welder, carpenter, electrician, plumber, mechanic, and mason. Jerry was a true MacGyver, able to make or repair anything with what was on hand. He also spent hours pulling his children and grandchildren on various tubes and skis behind his beloved Glastron boat, the. As for his grilling, he was renowned for his barbeque chicken, steak, and fluffy baked potatoes. His secret technique was hand squeezing the foil-wrapped potatoes while wearing a welding glove.
Jerry was not a sentimental man but showed his love and devotion by always being where he was needed. He worked, he provided, he fixed, he chauffeured. He could be counted on to help out in any situation. He was an usher and vestry member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, and later St. Anne's Episcopal Church Lee's Summit. He volunteered with St. Michael's Necessity Pantry.
Jerry retired in 1994 at age 58. He and Margaret enjoyed the KCPL Retirement Club, attending monthly luncheons, talks and field trips. He also spent his retirement years caring for and about his five granddaughters. He was enchanted by his great granddaughter Lillian and delighted, even in his confusion, at the birth of his great grandson, Emerson.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Lola England, brother Otis Bryan England, sister Linda Sue England Bost, cousin Marietta Hedrick, and wife Margaret Ruler England. He is survived by his son David England (Lisa), daughter Kim England (Robert Freeland), granddaughters Ashleigh England, Margaret Freeland (Tyler Salter), Elizabeth Freeland (Justin Wilson), Alexandra England, and Sarah Freeland (James Brookes); great grandchildren Lillian Freeland and Emerson Salter; as well as dozens of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews on both sides of the pond. In addition, his long-term care givers helped make his staying in his home possible, especially Teryl Hodge.
A celebration of life will be held at 1p.m., Saturday, August 26 at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 1815 NE Independence Avenue, Lee's Summit, Missouri. A barbeque honoring his mad grill skills will follow.