Jerry L. Southerland, 75, of Rocheport passed away  Tuesday morning March 26, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be Wednesday evening April 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Howard Funeral Home, Jerry requests that everyone please dress casual for the occasion.

Jerry Linn Southerland was born August 19, 1948, in Fayette, MO., the son of Floyd Southerland and Mary Margaret Ziegler Southerland. He graduated from New Franklin High School in 1966. He married Catherine (Kathy) Moser in New Franklin, Missouri, on January 28, 1967. Jerry was fixture on Saturday morning at Jennings Premium Meat (Jennings Meat Locker) for over 53 years, after his retirement he started his second career at Bob McCosh Chevrolet delivering auto parts throughout the country. He grew up on a farm outside Rocheport and spent his life helping farmers throughout the county. He developed a passion for cemetery restoration and preservation that started at the Rocheport Cemetery and spread to other small cemeteries in the central Missouri area. Jerry served as the president of the Rocheport Cemetery Board. Jerry enjoyed mowing his yard and a smooth glass on Wild Turkey 101 and Mountain Dew. His greatest joy was being a Papa to his two grandchildren and his feisty two great-grandsons.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Mary. He is survived by his wife Catherine of the home, daughters, Susan Harvey and Fiancé Todd Goodmon of Columbia and Kim (Kevin) Redden of New Franklin. He is also survived by his brothers, Bill Southerland of Noble and Bob (Sandy) Southerland of Rocheport, his grandchildren, Robyn (Trevor) Olinger, Collin Redden and great-grandsons, Porter, and Olin Olinger. He leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and many lifelong friends he made over the years.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rocheport Cemetery or Hospice Compassus. Online memorials may be left at: www.howardfh.com.