Jerry Willis Fanning

Jerry Willis Fanning, 87, Nevada, passed away on Friday, Oct. 10, 2008, at his home in Nevada. He was born Oct. 28, 1920, in Greenfield, Mo., to Willis Jack Fanning and Bertha Uneeta Freedle Fanning. He married Louise Barr on June 13, 1940, in Greenfield, Mo., and she preceded him in death on April 8, 2000.

Jerry was born and reared in Dade and Barton counties. He was a graduate of Lamar High School. He was a Baptist and was baptized in Chaney Creek in Barton County, Mo. Jerry farmed with his family for a while before entering the United States Navy during World War II. Following the war, he went back to farming with his family. During his lifetime, he had various jobs including managing and traveling with the carnival circuit for awhile, and owned and operated dump trucks in Texas. Jerry and his wife returned to Nevada in 1958 where he owned and operated an automotive garage. Later he went back to farming near Sheldon until his retirement in 2000.

Survivors include one son, Michael Jerry Fanning and his wife Ellen, Nevada; one daughter-in-law, Norma Short, Dederick, Mo.; six grandchildren, Toni Chadd and her husband John, Sherry Pruitt, Wes Fanning and his wife Kim, Jordan Fanning, Leslie Leftridge and her husband Doug, and Rachel Long and her husband David; 22 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members and friends. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one son, James Willis "Wes" Fanning; one brother Neal, and two sisters, Boneta and infant sister, Christina.

Graveside services were held at 1 p.m., on Monday, Oct. 13, at Newton Burial Park, Nevada, with John Nichols officiating. The family received friends from 6-7 p.m., on Sunday, at the funeral home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome. com