Gerald "Jerry" Lee Ingram

Gerald “Jerry” Lee Ingram, 86, of rural Paola, Kansas, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kansas.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by the rosary at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral mass to follow at 10:30 a.m., all at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 E. Chippewa St, Paola, Kansas 66071. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., at Green Lawn Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.

Jerry was born on Tuesday, June 21, 1938, in Pritchard, Alabama, the son of Ivy Lee Ingram and Jewell Clarice (Tanner) Ingram. He grew up in Pritchard, and graduated from Vigor High School with the class of 1955.

After high school at the age of Sixteen, Jerry enlisted with the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country for eight years. He was stationed in Fairbanks Alaska, Selfridge Air Force Base, Michigan, Mitchel Air Force Base, New York, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, and Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, Missouri. In 1963, Jerry was awarded Airmen of the Year at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, presented to him by President Harry Truman. He was honorably discharged in 1964, with the rank of Airman First Class.

While stationed in Selfridge Air Force Base, he took leave with an Air Force buddy from Kansas City and was set up on a blind date with the love of his life, Beverly Carey. They went on 9 dates when he proposed to her. They married on April 3, 1959 and were married for 60 years. The couple moved many times during his time in the service. They also lived in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Miami, Florida before making their home in Paola.

Jerry was a graphic artist for many years. He worked for Hallmark, American Greetings, and for 10 years, while living in Miami, he started his own business, American Graphic Engravers. After moving to Paola, Jerry worked for Claud Davis Engraving for 22 years before retiring in 2002.

He was a longtime member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Paola. Jerry was also a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and was a member of the American Legion Post 156, in Paola. He enjoyed spending time with family, going to Mass, fishing, gardening, and playing GI pinochle. He lovingly took care of Beverly and Michael for over a decade as their health failed. He spent countless hours praying for everyone he loved.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Beverly Ingram, son, Michael Ingram, sister, Anita Ingram, and half-brother, Paul Ingram.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Sheila (Doug) Doherty, of Paola, Kansas, four grandchildren, Hillary Goodwin, Jacob Ingram, Scott Ingram, and Lexi Torneten, one great grandchild, Joseph Ingram, sister, Jean Ingram, half-brother, Wayne Summons, two four-legged friends, Peaches and Tank, lifelong friend, Claud Davis, as well as many extended family members and friends. He will be remembered as the kindest, most loving person. He loved everyone and always let them know that they were loved. That love will be his legacy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to Always and Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 305 N Pearl Street, Paola, Kansas 66071.