Gerald Lee Hood, 78, of Holt, MO, passed away peacefully after a valiant battle with cancer on August 1, 2026, surrounded by his family and constant companion, his Siamese cat, Bob.
Jerry was born on October 27, 1947 in Alba, MO, to Eva Hood (nḗe Robison) and Harry Hood, Jr. He attended Webb City schools, graduating in 1965. He proudly served in the United States Army, completing his basic and specialized military training, including instruction in military justice, the Code of Conduct, the Geneva Conventions, and chemical, biological, and radiological defense. He also completed 28 weeks of microwave radio training at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. During his service, he earned the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Sharpshooter Badge for the M-14 rifle.
After completing his Army service and receiving an honorable discharge in January of 1970, Jerry moved back to Webb City and enrolled in Missouri Southern State College. He earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing and management in only 3 years and began working for Stanley Plumbing in Joplin as their office manager until 1976. He began a career spanning over 3 decades with Union Pacific Railroad in ‘76 and retired in 2008, only to take on the real work of helping with childcare for two of his grandsons, ages 2 and 5! He never did retire from this line of work.
While attending night school on his fast path to that college degree, Jerry met Marion Waller at the Red Lion in Joplin, MO. He took a chance on a single mother and she took a chance on happily ever after and 45 days later they, with her daughter and son became a family. They added another daughter 3 years later and Jerry and Marion were blessed with 53 years together before he made his way to the pearly gates, no doubt stopping on his way in to check the structural integrity.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Eva Hood. He is survived by his children, Kierston Walker and her son, Zachary Walker (Hannah); Shawn Hood and his wife Christina and his children, Bryce and Erin; and Rebecca Walker and her husband, Michael, and their children, Aidan, Brandon, Logan, and Eliana. He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather to seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sisters, Mindy Hamilton (Lee) and Carol Clark; his nieces, Holly, Heidi and Laura and nephew, Vance.
Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church of Kearney on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM with the celebration of Jerry’s life immediately following. Burial will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Kearney, Whittier Elementary School, or the Kearney Food Pantry.
