Jerry Bradley Shellenberger Jr., 87, of Excelsior Springs, MO, passed away on November 21, 2024 at Liberty Hospital. Jerry was born on August 17, 1937 to Jerry Sr., and Pauline (Uber) Shellenberger in Joplin, MO. He lived a short time in Holton, KS, and grew up in Wathena, KS.
Jerry graduated from Wathena High School in 1957. He was in the Navy reserves during his senior year. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1961 where he was a SeeBee stationed in Adak, AK, 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 January 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, MO, and his job at Whitaker Cable moved them to Excelsior Springs, MO, 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, MO.
He enjoyed fishing, model T cars, traveling, computers and genealogy.
Jerry was a Lay Minister at Todd’s Chapel for 30+ years in Richmond, MO, and a member of the Methodist church for 50 years.
Jerry’s dad always wanted him to become a Mason and he became a Mason in the 80’s.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Sr. and Pauline Shellenberger; brothers, Robert, Steve and Ed; sisters, Mary Merriott and Ann Noyes.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, Excelsior Springs, MO; children, Brad Shellenberger, Independence, MO, Lori Brickey, North Kansas City, MO, and Jeff (Julie) Shellenberger, Excelsior Springs, MO; grandchildren, Courtney (Nick) Johnson, Indiana, Caleb (Catherine) Shellenberger, Kansas City, MO, Emily Brown, Nevada, Samantha Shellenberger, Kansas City, MO, Ethan (Cassie) Shellenberger, Raytown, MO, Abby (Dylan) Erskine, North Carolina, Stephanie Shellenberger, Kansas City, MO, Jacob (Kat Webb) Shellenberger, Independence, MO, and Waylon Shellenberger, Independence, MO; nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
A visitation will be Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at Bross & Spidle Chapels, 217 W. Broadway St., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024. Graveside services will immediately follow at the Masonic Cemetery, 114 Wakana St., Excelsior Springs, MO.
Our Sincere Condolences
I am so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Donna and Steve Marriott
I always thought so much of Jerry. He always influenced me in my faith walk & taught me so much about our Savior & the Bible. We shared the same birthday & were buddies – we loved talking about Jesus! My prayers to Phyllis & the kids for God’s comfort & Peace. Jerry, I’ll see you again, my Friend!
All my love – Kelly Smith
Thoughts and prayers for the family in their loss.
David Snider
