Gerald "Jerry" McNary

Gerald Freeman “Jerry” McNary, age 89, of Lawson, Missouri, formerly of Waterville and Blue Rapids, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Lawson Manor in Lawson, Missouri.

Jerry was born June 17, 1936, in Topeka, to John G. and Vera L. (Littlefield) McNary. He graduated from Blue Rapids High School in 1955. He married LaVonne P. Marshall. It was love at first sight and just six weeks after meeting they married on August 18, 1956 at Stoutland, Missouri. Jerry went to work in heavy construction as a heavy equipment operator shortly after graduating from high school and continued until his retirement in 1999. He worked for several construction companies, mainly for Tobin Construction of Kansas City. Toward the end of his career he became a Union Representative for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 101.

Jerry liked to tinker in his garage, it didn’t matter if it was mechanical, or woodworking, he enjoyed doing both. In his spare time he enjoyed camping, canoeing and boating. He also enjoyed a prank or two along the way.

Survivors include his children Jay (Jody) McNary of Holt, Missouri, Jerry (Amy) McNary of Orrick, Missouri and Gay Belcher of Lawson, Missouri, nine grandchildren: Jacob (April) Belcher, Jayson (Cassie) McNary, Johnathan (KT) McNary, Stryker McNary, Ashlee Laya, Myer McNary, Skylar (Dawson) Eggleston, Summit (Braden) Kellum and Darian (DJ) Peppers and six great grandchildren: Isabella, Estella, Ashlynn, Jaymes, Morgan and Kendra.

Preceding Jerry in death were his wife LaVonne, his parents John and Vera, brother Garner McNary, sisters Charlene Kuhn and Darlene McNary when she was an infant.

Graveside Services are planned for 1:00 pm, Monday, April 13, 2026, at Prospect Hill Cemetery, north of Blue Rapids, with Rod Christie officiating. Burial will follow the service.

Memorials are suggested to the Gerald McNary Memorial, to be designated later and may be sent in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.

Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, Waterville Kansas, in charge of arrangements.