Jack E. Fitzgerel

Jack E. Fitzgerel passed away Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, at his home.

Jack Edward Fitzgerel was born on Jan. 26, 1923, in rural Higginsville, Mo., to Dewey and Ella Frances Anson Fitzgerel. He graduated from Farmer's High School near Centerview, Mo.

Mr. Fitzgerel served in the U.S. Army from 1946 until 1947, and spent six months of that time in Korea. He was a member of the Cedar Grove Christian Church where he served as Elder and Deacon, taught Sunday school, and presided as Sunday school superintendent for many years. He was active on the West Central Christian Camp Board from 1960 to 1998.

In 1974, Jack married Maxine Marie Pearson. She preceded him in death on Nov. 26, 1993. Survivors include his stepchildren, Ronald G. Pearson and wife, Judy, Warrensburg, Mo., Darenda Kisner and husband, Allen, High Point, N.C., Dianna Dryer and husband, Gordon, Blue Springs, Mo., Marcia Justus and husband, Ross, Blue Springs, Mo., and Kathy Wahn, Higginsville, Mo.; 21 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Also surviving are sisters, Ruby Fern Hayes and husband, Don, Fort Scott, Kan., and Helen Shackelford, Centerview, Mo.; and brother-in-law Glenn Marsh, Concordia. Mr. Fitzgerel was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother Jewell Fitzgerel, sister Margie Marsh and three grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 2 p.m., at Cedar Grove Christian Church, south of Higginsville. Visitation was held at Kaiser-Wiegers Funeral Home, Higginsville, on Tuesday, Oct. 19, from 6-8 p.m. Burial was at Higginsville City Cemetery with Military Rites. Memorials may be made to the Cedar Grove Christian Church.