Jerry Clifton Gray's Obituary
Jerry Clifton Gray, 85, of Eureka, KS died on August 8, 2024. Jerry was born in Winfield, KS on October 6, 1938 to Mary Mildred Gray (Antle) and Clarence Harold Gray.
He grew up in the Grenola, KS area living on a farm and attending Cloverdale Grade School, a one-room school house southwest of Grenola. Growing up Jerry had the usual chores of milking cows, along with raising some cattle and horses. His favorite horse was called Buck. For a short time his parents even owned a gas station where Jerry used to pump gas, take care of the money and do small mechanic jobs.
As a young teenager it was common to drive to Howard, KS to the picture show. That is where he ended up meeting the love of his life Miss Patsy Cale. They were married July 15, 1955 at the Howard Methodist Church. To this union were born three children and a marriage that lasted a lifetime.
He leaves behind wife Patsy, of the home; daughters Diana Bliss (Harmon), Connie Rogers and Kelly Hines (Doug); Grandchildren Clifton Bliss (Crystal), Carmon Younker (Brian), Candice McNich (Tanner), Brandon Rogers (Raine), Amanda Wilder (Tyler), Sydney Hines, Sarah Zarich (Zac), and Madi Hines; and 12 great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his mother and father, along with his two brothers Ross and Garland.
Jerry moved his family around before settling in the Longton, KS area. Some of his first jobs were driving a truck for area entrepreneurs such as Everett Buchannan and Gerald Campbell. Later he worked for Paul Mann riding horses and looking after cattle. His favorite part was gathering up the cattle so they could spray them to get rid of the flies.
While working on the ranch gathering cattle, one day, his horse slipped in the mud. When the horse tried to regain his footing, the back leg of the horse shattered Jerry’s leg. After recovering, Jerry went to work for himself doing a little cattle and horse trading along with getting in the tree trimming and yardwork business. He was very good at tying any kind of chain or rope knot needed as well as identifying and felling trees.
Besides riding horses, Jerry enjoyed being with his family, doing things with wife, Patsy as she participated in a Gospel group singing at different places. Jerry accepted his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in 1974 at a rival in the Longton Baptist Church.
After suffering a stroke, He and Patsy moved to Howard, KS for several years before moving to the Eureka Nursing Center for the last couple of Years. A Graveside service will be held on Tuesday August 13th, 2024 at 10:00am at Longton Cemetery in Longton, Kansas. A visitation well be held on Monday August 12th, 2024 from 5:00pm-7:00PM at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas. Memorials can be made out to the Longton Baptist Church and may left with or mailed to Countryside Funeral Home 206 E. Washington St. P.O Box 1233 Howard, KS 67349
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