Jerry Coday

Jerry Dean Coday, age 81, of Lebanon, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jerry was born on June 22, 1944, to Cecil and Ella Florence (Marcum) Coday in Hartville, Missouri. While Jerry was a young boy and attending school, he began working alongside his father drilling wells in the Hartville and Grovespring areas. He graduated from Hartville High School in 1962 and began his long career with Detroit Tool, where he worked faithfully for 38 years. Following his time there, he continued to work at Precision Cutter until his retirement in 2012.

On November 1, 1962, Jerry married the love of his life, Viola Curtis. Together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage, raising a family built on love, hard work, and faith. They were blessed with two sons, Terry Coday and Gary (Robin) Coday, both of Lebanon; two granddaughters, Emily (Dana) Shaw of Marshfield and Lacy (Lane) Webster of Lebanon; as well as great-grandchildren Tailor, Joey, Bella, Addison, Jackson, Elsie, Lincoln, Scarlett, DeQuan, Angel, and great-great-grandchildren, Katalaya, Lizzie, and Jamie Jr.

Jerry is also survived by three sisters, Barbara Kirby, Mary Hamrick and Betty Jane Adamson; along with several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents; his father- and mother-in-law Truman and Ada Curtis; brothers Larry Joe Coday and Frankie Lane Coday; brother and sister in-laws Harlow and Phyllis Curtis, Gene and Lou Davis; brother in-laws Paul Kirby, John Hamrick, and Jimmy Adamson.

Jerry was a man of many talents and passions. He found joy in motorcycle trips, camping, fishing, hunting, playing soft ball and ping-pong. A skilled craftsman and problem-solver, he believed in teaching his sons the value of building rather than buying. He loved fabrication and repair, and there was little he couldn't fix with his hands and ingenuity.

Above all, Jerry cherished time with his family. He had a special place in his heart for his little "girls" - his beloved dogs, Lillie Pearl, Mattie Mae, and Penny Lou.

Jerry will be remembered as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, his love of family, his strong work ethic, and his ability to make something out of nothing. His laughter, wisdom, and presence will be deeply missed but forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Family and friends will gather at the Wallace Building in Lebanon, Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 2:00pm in honor of Jerry.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.