GERALD L. "JERRY" LAW

CLASS OF 1944

SEPTEMBER 13, 1926 - APRIL 4, 2002

Gerald (Jerry) L. Law, age 75, passed away April 4, 2002 at St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, after a courageous and stoic battle with pulmonary fibrosis. During this final journey, he is now free from fighting for air with the aid of machines.

Born in Osawatomie, Kansas, September 13, 1926 to Lawrence Edward and Della Ann McCutcheon Law, Jerry was the second of nine children. He attended grade schools in Osawatomie and Fontana, graduating from Osawatomie High School with the class of 1944. He enlisted in the Air Force In December, 1943, leaving after graduation for pilot's training at Washington University, St. Louis. When the war began to wind down he was reassigned to the 5th Air Force and spent one year in occupied Japan. He was honorably discharged in November 1946.

On October 1, 1955 Jerry and Shirley Gillenwater were united in marriage by Rev. Hastie at the United Methodist Church. They are the parents of one son, Bryan. The couple made their home in Osawatomie during their 46 years of marriage.

After 44 years with the Missouri Pacific Railroad and later the Union Pacific Railroad, Jerry retired as a Conductor in September, 1988. He enjoyed his retirement years, raising cattle and working on the farm. He loved nature and being outdoors. Believing in the statement "the best things in life are really free" - the love of family and friends; satisfaction of a job well done; the joy of seeing the land green up in the spring; hunting the elusive morel mushrooms and fishing for crappie. His memberships included the UTU, Elks and Narve.

Preceding Jerry in death were his parents, one sister, Rosetta Ulrey, two infant sisters, one infant brother and two infant sons. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of the home, and one son, Bryan of Liberty, Missouri; brothers, Herb of Paola, Gene of Fulton, Kansas, and Robert of Osawatomie; one sister, Jody Howell, Olathe, a little girl, Courtney Manly, who called him "Grandpa"; his beloved dachshund, Hilde, and many other family members and friends.

Prior to his death, Jerry had adequate time to reflect upon his life and departure from it. He requested his family not grieve; but to 'celebrate his life.'

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 8, 2002 at Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home with Reverend Dennis Ulrey officiating. Music was provided by Nancy Snyder, soloist and Julie Weaver, organist.

Pallbearers were Max Servais, David Manly, Jay Gillenwater, Loren Law, Ron McCutcheon and Tom Howell. Burial was in Osawatomie Cemetery.

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