Jerry Thurman McClanahan

Jerry Thurman McClanahan, 86, of Cape Girardeau, passed away Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.
He was born July 3, 1937, to Victor T. and Lilly Steakley McClanahan. He and Phyllis Jean Sperling were married April 17, 1960, at Zion Lutheran Church in Gordonville, Missouri. Four children were born to their union: Bradley, Kimberly, Tammy, and Sherry. Jerry and Phyllis had been married for 60 years when Phyllis passed away November 17, 2020.
Jerry attended Jackson High School. He was an Airman First Class, honorably serving in the U.S. Air Force, from July 1954 to July 1958, during the Korean War. Jerry was always a complete gentleman, and often said, "The military had a big influence in his life and molded him into the man he became".
After his military service, Jerry worked at McDonnell Douglas and Landgraf Construction. He held licenses in electrical and plumbing. In 1973, he established McClanahan Construction Company, where he enjoyed working 40 years with his late son, Bradley. He enjoyed all construction but was happiest when he was able to build a home from "the ground up".
Jerry was an avid bowler. He liked shooting matches, fishing, rabbit and deer hunting, and billiards. But, more than anything, he loved being with his grandchildren, and attending their school functions and sport events.
Jerry is survived by three daughters, Kimberly McClanahan of Salem, Missouri, Tammy Hunt of Oak Ridge, and Sherry McClanahan and husband Roger Hluzek of St. Charles, Missouri; a daughter-in-law, Tammy (the late Bradley) McClanahan of Jackson; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and siblings, Jim (Jan) McClanahan of Cape Girardeau; George (Diane) McClanahan of Calabash, South Carolina; Roger (Betty) McClanahan, Doyle (Judy) McClanahan, and Pat McClanahan all of Jackson.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Phyllis McClanahan; a son, Bradley McClanahan (August 20, 2023); a granddaughter; and his parents.
Visitation is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Gordonville. The Rev. Dan Warner will conduct the funeral service at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 10, at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
If considering a memorial donation, the family suggests Zion Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Jerry's obituary article at mccombsfuneralhome.com.

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