Jerry Dean Kukes, age 74, Joplin, passed away at 8:45 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2015 at his home after an illness.
Jerry was born June 29, 1941 in Toppenish, Washington to the late Henry C. Kukes and Lydia Kieser Kukes and had lived in Joplin since 1976, moving from Manhattan Beach, California.
While in California, Jerry owned and operated a beauty supply company in Hermosa Beach and Marina Del Ray. After moving to Missouri, Jerry worked for the Joe Smith Tobacco Company in Pittsburg, Kansas from 1977-2003, retiring as general manager.
He enjoyed his time with family at Table Rock and Grand Lakes and rebuilding old cars. Jerry was a veteran of the United States Army, where he was a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division, stationed in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. He was a faithful member of St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church.
Jerry married Judith Ann Sanders on November 13, 1965 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She survives at the home.
Additional survivors include three children, Stephen Kukes, St. Louis, Staci Gilliam and her husband, Tom, Joplin, Lisa Tholen and her husband, Jeff, Carl Junction; two sisters, Beverly Thompson, State of Washington, Delores Yates and her husband, Bill, Santa Maria, California; and grandchildren, Devin Gilliam,. Dalton Gilliam, Ashton Gilliam, Reece Tholen and Addie Tholen.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a brother, Gary.
A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Monday at 10:00 a.m. St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Osborne Memorial Cemetery with full military honors. The family will serve as pallbearers. The Rosary will be recited Sunday at 6:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel with a visitation to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Outreach House at St. Peter's Church, in care of Parker Mortuary.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Freeman Home Healthcare, especially Lynn and Lola; Dr. Sam Carter for his care and friendship and Avalon Hospice Group.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
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