Final Salute

Jerry Bradley Shellenberger Jr., 87, of Excelsior Springs passed away Nov. 21, 2024, at Liberty Hospital. Jerry was born Aug. 17, 1937, to Jerry Sr. and Pauline (Uber) Shellenberger in Joplin. He lived a short time in Holton, Kan., and grew up in Wathena, Kan. In 1957, Jerry graduated from Wathena High School. He was in the U.S. Navy Reserve during his senior year.

He served in the Navy from 1957 to 1961. He was a Seabee stationed in Adak, Alaska, for one year and stationed in Okinawa, Japan, for two years. While in Okinawa, Jerry managed the base post office that would be equivalent to a town with a population of 25,000 people.

Jerry married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Phyllis (Schultz), on Jan. 5, 1962. Their wedding plans were spoiled by a horrible snowstorm, but that didn’t stop them from tying the knot.

They moved to Cameron. His job at Whitaker Cable moved them from Cameron to Excelsior Springs, where they raised their three children.

He helped open the Whitaker Cable plant in Excelsior Springs and was a quality control manager. He also worked as a buyer for Magna Seating in Excelsior Springs.

He enjoyed fishing, Model T cars, traveling, computers and genealogy.

Jerry was a lay minister at Todd’s Chapel for 30-plus years in Richmond and a member of the Methodist Church for 50 years.

Jerry’s dad always wanted him to become a Mason. He became a Mason in the 1980s.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; and children, Brad Shellenberger, Lori Brickey and Jeff (Julie) Shellenberger. He also is survived by his grandchildren, Courtney (Nick) Johnson, Caleb (Catherine) Shellenberger, Emily Brown, Samantha Shellenberger, Ethan (Cassie) Shellenberger, Abby (Dylan) Erskine, Stephanie Shellenberger, Jacob (Kat Webb) Shellenberger and Waylon Shellenberger; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry will be dearly missed by his family and friends.