Jerry Edward Vaill was born October 22, 1932, in Shenandoah, Iowa; the son of Herman Porterfield Vaill and Iona Marie (Norman) Vaill. He departed this life on November 24, 2016, at home with his wife of 63 years by his side. He had attained the age of 84 years, 1 month, and 2 days.


Following graduation from the Coin, Iowa, Consolidated High School in 1951, Jerry worked on ranches in Wyoming, Montana, North and South Dakota, and followed the rodeo circuit competing in bareback bronc and bull riding until called to active duty service in the Army. While stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Jerry met and married Betty Jean Bilyeu on October 3, 1953, and to this union five children were born.

Jerry was a hard worker and led a varied and interesting life having worked for and retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in St. Louis as a Supervisory Hydraulic Engineer in flood control, owned the Vaill Rodeo Company and produced rodeos throughout the state of Missouri, owned and operated a pest control business, owned and operated a kennel raising Siberian Husky dogs, served and retired as a Maries County Deputy Sheriff and worked as a Police Officer for the City of Vienna; all the while he and his wife ran their farm and cow-calf operation.

Jerry loved his family and enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren about life. He had a deep respect for nature and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and everything outdoors. He loved the four seasons and the changes each season brought, but he especially loved a new-fallen snow and visiting the mountains. A strong, quiet, honest man, Jerry's faith ran deep knowing everything was in God's hands. He professed his faith early in life and was a faithful member of the Dixon Church of Christ for many years.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Betty, of the home; two sons, Jerry Edward Vaill, Jr. (Debbie); and William Robert Vaill; three daughters; Nancy Jean Gregory (Stan); Melinda Lee Alexander (Junior, deceased); and Valerie Ann Sinden (Steve); eight grandchildren, Thomas Edward Vaill (Angie), Jace Edward Vaill, Trinity Jean Ponder (Doug), Calvin Edward Alexander, Joseph Lee Alexander, Dustin Benjamin Alexander (Kati), Stephen Levi Sinden (Tabitha), and Shelby LeeAnn Sinden; and one great-grandson, Dustin Andrew Alexander. Jerry was preceded in death by his father (1900-1958) and his mother (1906-1982); two brothers, William Lee (1923-1995) and Kenneth Clyde (1926-2005); infant sister (1928); and one sister, Marilyn Jo Montz (1934-2006). Interment will be in the West Fairview Cemetery on land donated to the cemetery by Jerry and Betty from their farm.

Memorials are suggested to the West Fairview Cemetery or to the Fair Haven Children's Home at 3132 North Fair Haven Loop, Strafford, MO 65757.