Jerald “Jerry” Bethurem

Jerald “Jerry” Bethurem of Springfield, Missouri, entered into eternal rest on November 17, 2021, at the age of 72. He was born on June 2, 1949, to James Burnel Bethurem and Dorothy Jean Whitehead-Bethurem.
Jerald was born and raised in Springfield, where he attended Hillcrest High School. Growing up on a farm north of town, he started working at a young age. He had many jobs over the years until he received the call from Hiland Dairy to be their route salesman, where he worked for 30+ years until he retired. Jerald had a good reputation among his customers as he was a man of his word. While working at Hiland, he became very active in the Teamsters Union 245, where he served as the union representative for many years.
Jerald was a spiritual man and a very active member of First Christian Church in Republic. He wore many hats over the years at First Christian, serving as Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the Elders, Chairman of the Personnel Committee, Chairman of the Property Committee, and representative for the Christian Men’s Fellowship, just to name a few.
Jerry loved his family very much and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always looking out for the ones he loved. He never met a stranger and enjoyed talking with people, telling jokes and stories. He also loved his backyard birds, taking care to make sure they always had food. His decision to be an organ donor demonstrates his wishes to help others where he could.
Jerald was preceded in death by his parents, James Burnel Bethurem and Dorothy Jean Whitehead-Bethurem; a son, Alex Bethurem; and a granddaughter, Samantha Bethurem.
Jerald is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cathy Stewart-Bethurem; three children, Sheryl and her husband Bert Asher of Springfield, Jerald Jr. Bethurem of Marshfield, and Douglas and his wife Kitty Bethurem of St. Louis; seven grandchildren, Jessica, Nicholas, Brittany, Sarah, Jacob, Logan, Caleb, and Michaela; four greatgrandchildren, Quinn, James, Liam, and Finley; a brother, Michael Bethurem and his wife Tanya of Tennessee; and a sister, Donna Whisnant of Springfield, and many nieces and nephews.
A Visitation will be held Monday, November 22, 2021, at Republic First Christian Church, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, with the service following at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at Hackney Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.