Jerry Don McCarter

Jerry Don McCarter, 88, of Richmond passed away Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Heisinger Bluffs Senior Living Community in Jefferson City.
Jerry was born on July 28, 1936, in Fort Smith, AR, the son of Joel Kirby and Emily Francis (Butler) McCarter. He was united in marriage to Gale Jeanne Wilson of Richmond on May 21, 1983; she preceded him in death on November 27, 2017.
Survivors include: two sons, Nathan (Wendy) McCarter of Billings and Mark (Joni) McCarter of Jefferson City; daughter, Emily Lynn Hicks of Lexington; three stepsons: Bryan (Torey) Wall of St. Louis, Shawn (Melissa) Wall of Charles City, VA, and Michael "Shay" Branstuder (Sonja Tanner) of Kansas City; 20 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Steve (Tasha) McCarter of Escondido, CA; and sister, Martha Sue Bartelsmeyer of Mount Vernon.
In addition to his parents and wife, Jerry was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter McCarter and Larry McCarter, and his faithful canine companions, Pete and Jack.
Jerry moved to the Richmond area in 1965 to begin a fulfilling career as a teacher and coach. He dedicated himself first to the Hardin-Central School District and then to the Richmond School District, inspiring students and athletes alike until his retirement in 1992. A beloved teacher and coach, Jerry was instrumental in fostering local youth athletics. He helped establish the first Little League programs in the area and proudly brought the first girls' basketball team to Richmond.
Jerry's passion for enriching the lives of children extended beyond the classroom and playing field. He served as the Executive Director for both the Richmond Housing Authority and the Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce, always striving to enhance his community. A man of action and kindness, Jerry was deeply involved in civic life. He was a proud member of the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Richmond and an active participant in the Richmond Kiwanis Club. His lifelong mission was to make a positive difference in the lives of children, leaving a lasting legacy of service, compassion, and leadership.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Richmond Education Foundation. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M., with services to follow at 2:00 P.M. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements. Please remember to share your memories of Jerry with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.