Gerald Wayne Dryden Sr.

PEORIA, Ariz. - Gerald Wayne Dryden, Sr. Born 04/28/1941 in Cynthiana, KY Died 12/14/2023 of Alzheimer's in Phoenix, AZ at the age of 82.

Raised in Robertson County, Kentucky, Jerry, son of Joe and Audra Dryden, grew up in Mt. Olivet, KY. He graduated from Deming High School in 1959, and continued to attend the Alumni Banquet until his health failed.

He started his college education at Eastern Kentucky University, but graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Agriculture.

Always one to take the highways and by-ways, Jerry drove a semi-tractor trailer, farmed tobacco, raised sheep, and guided many people in the ways of growing things.

As a 30 year Agriculture County Extension Agent working for both the University of Kentucky and Purdue University he was always invested in his community, working tirelessly for one worthy cause or another.

Jerry Dryden was first and foremost a family man. Survived by his wife of 51 years Christine Goulding Dryden of Peoria, AZ, son Gerald (Tad) Dryden, Jr. (wife Nan), of Louisville, KY, son Cory Dryden (wife Markisha), of Nashville, TN, daughter Megan Kiktavy (husband Michael), of Maple Ridge, BC, and son Joel Dryden (wife Andrea) of Mt. Vernon, WA), and niece Jamie Nelson of Richmond, KY. He also lived to see 9 grandchildren (Anna, Sara, Emma, Amaya, Kai, Ezra, Zeke, Catherine, and Simon).

Jerry could talk. He always had a welcoming smile for his many visitors at the office and a helpful word for those in need. In fact, he would rather spend his time calming a distraught farmer over a corn borer infestation or taking a soil sample to prepare for the next year's crop rotation before finishing his weekly newsletter.

Of course, that newsletter always got out by deadline (or almost always) with the help of a lot of midnight oil. His procrastination almost did him in the night of the Corydon flood. Busily typing away, he failed to notice the rising waters of Little Indian Creek until it was too late to get out! After saving as many items in the office as he could, he spent the rest of the night in the building rafters hoping the water wouldn't rise any farther.

Like a cat with nine lives, he survived that crisis as he did so many others (many of his own making).

He was most pleased in life when he could bask in the accomplishments of his family. The strong work ethic he conveyed to his children allowed them to succeed in any endeavor that they chose, and he loved to MC a celebration!

He spent many a vacation with his wife and family exploring this country that he so loved. He was always happiest when he was out of doors. He must have known the name of every plant, weed and tree, and could master any task.

He and Chris spent many years meticulously restoring old farm houses, modern ranch houses, and even double wide trailers until he was able to build the house of his dreams outside of Corydon, Indiana.

There, he lived out the rest of his life until moving to Arizona for his final few years. Even then, he endeared himself to the nursing home staff with his smile and his humor.