Gerald Dayton "Jerry" Blatherwick

1936 - 2024

Gerald "Jerry" Dayton Blatherwick (July 5, 1936 - December 23, 2024) , 88, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, in Vero Beach, Florida, surrounded by his devoted family.

Jerry was a loving husband to Anne Taylor Blatherwick, his wife of 64 years, with whom he shared a beautiful lifelong partnership. He was a caring father to Katherine Blatherwick Pickert and Nell Mershon Blatherwick, a proud father-in-law to Allen Pickert, and a devoted grandfather to Rebecca Anne Pickert and Elise Blackmar Pickert. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Amelia "Nellie" and Edwin Blatherwick, whose values and warmth he carried throughout his life.

Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Jerry, though an only child, grew up surrounded by caring parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who left a lasting influence on his life.

Jerry met his wife, Anne, on their first day at the University of Kansas, sparking a love story lasting over six decades. A proud graduate of KU's School of Journalism in 1958, he was also a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

Jerry's distinguished career began with service in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1962, during which he served as a Lieutenant Junior Grade and spent part of his service aboard the USS Suribachi. Following his military service, he worked briefly as a reporter for the Kansas City Star before beginning a long and impactful career at Southwestern Bell in 1963, starting in the directory department selling ads for the Yellow Pages in western Kansas. He rose through several key public relations positions taking him to St. Louis and San Antonio.

His career led him to Pacific Bell Telephone in San Francisco and eventually back to Southwestern Bell in St. Louis, where his leadership was pivotal in guiding the company through the breakup of AT&T and the formation of Southwestern Bell Corporation, where he ultimately served as Vice Chairman. Jerry's strategic insight and steady leadership were invaluable, and he served on several influential communications boards, including the Board of Directors of Telefonos de Mexico (Telmex), a Mexican telecommunications company.

His commitment to service extended beyond the corporate world. Jerry was deeply involved in philanthropy, chairing the Southwestern Bell Foundation and serving on numerous boards, including Boatman's Trust and Dance St. Louis, where he was Chairman Emeritus. He also held leadership roles with the American Council for the Arts, the San Francisco Ballet, and the Kansas Alumni Association and was active in The Olympic Club.

Jerry's passion for learning and growth carried through his life (new technology always intrigued him and generally resulted in new gadgets throughout the house). He was always available to give his daughters insightful advice or lend an ear when needed. An avid reader and gifted writer, he also loved to travel with Anne, exploring the world together. Jerry brought the same tenacity to his golf game as he did his career, often spotted practicing at Redstick and John's Island Club-though he was never quite satisfied with the results. He adored his family, including his beloved Cairn Terriers. Jerry's kind and gentle nature, playful spirit, and sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to any of the following:

KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044, benefiting the Gerald Dayton and Anne Taylor Blatherwick Teaching-Journalism Fund (online contributions can be made at www.kuendowment.org/give);

Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County, 6230 77th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967. Please indicate that donations are in memory of Gerald D. Blatherwick.

Riverside Theatre at 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963. Please indicate that donations are in memory of Gerald D. Blatherwick.

Finally, it seems only apt to end with one of Jerry's favorite blessings:

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

May the rain fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

A private memorial service will be held to honor his remarkable life.