Gerald Howard Talmadge

Gerald Howard Talmadge - October 28, 1938 - December 27, 2025

Born of Howard A. and Margeretha E. (Jensen) Talmadge in Clyde, MO. Gerald (Jerry) grew up around Stanberry, MO, playing with his many cousins and relatives. Jerry married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Thomas on October 31, 1959 at St. Peters in Stanberry. The couple moved to several places and grew their family by adding Patty in Stanberry (1960), Gerald in Ford City (1963), and Mary Beth in Conception (1966). When they landed in Maryville, it was Tannenbaum tree farm, then up the road on EE. Jerry worked many places and grew his many skills, some of those included Jensen farm hand, truck driver, farmer, farrier, spray operator, Hostess Twinkie driver, Energizer lineman, and rural postal carrier, but of all the jobs, his favorites were being a family man, friend, tree farm operator, Quarter horse herdsman, and Rodeo dad. Jerry enjoyed raising quarter horses with his brother-in-law Bill Thomas, coon hunting and raising Catahoula dogs, bluegrass music, camping, and later raising and driving mules as well as building and repairing wagons - truly a lost art!

Jerry could often be seen at auctions adding to his extensive bit collection - He loved calvary bits and all the unique ones! Building Dutch oven cooking setups and all day coffee pots were a passion. All who crossed Jerry's path knew him as a jolly, solid soul who would give you the shirt off his back to help - while teasing them that it looked better on him! He was also known to be the one to call for cattle that couldn't be gathered - he would get the job done with horses and dogs. Never left one uncaptured! Hunting held a special place in his heart, especially when it involved taking the grandkids! Jerry was a devout catholic, solid friend, awesome grandpa/ dad/ loving husband - he will be so missed.

Jerry is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, brother, Harry, brother-in-laws, Bill Thomas and Jerry Thomas, In-laws, Herb and Mary Thomas, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, daughter, Patty (Ed) Spire, children, Jodi Nellesen: Francesca Nellesen, (Shawn Schuster); Derk (Nicole) Spire: Drycen, Krede, and Shayde; Kirbee (Clay) Gulick: Marlee, Myles, and Macee, Gerald (Sheila) Talmadge, children, Gavin (Shayne) Talmadge: Grayson, Halston, Krue, and Cutler; Selina (Brandon) Newton: Knox, Mary Beth (Gary) Shipps, children, Morgan (Austin) Ferbert: Brodie and Whitley; Garland "Jake" Shipps. He is also survived by his godchild, Terese Ann Godsey, Aunt Madonna Strueby, and many cousins.

A Rosary will be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at St. Gregory's Catholic Church with a Visitation to follow at 10:00 AM. A Funeral Service will be held at the same location at 11:00 AM on the same day. The Burial will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Ravenwood, MO following the service.

Arrangements are being handled by Bram Funeral Home.