Gerald Elvet "Jerry" Alkire, 99, or Sam to his family, passed away Monday, February 20th, 2017, in Hiawatha Kansas.

Jerry was born at home to Timothy L. and Linnie (McBride) Alkire on December 4th, 1917. He went to be with his Lord and wife Jimmie on February 20th, 2017 He was the last of his siblings which included Virgil, Arnold, Timothy, Bessie (Neil), Goldie (Lance), and Doris (Roach).

Jerry spent his early years in Barnard Missouri, graduating from Maryville High School. After graduating, Jerry entered the Army Air Corps in 1942, later the Air Force, from which he proudly served his country with honor thru WW II and for the next 21 years. He met and later married Jimmie Keith on June 28, 1953. While in the military, he and Jimmie enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and the Middle East, as well as being stationed in Morocco and Libya for a number of years.   

Upon returning to the United States, Jerry retired from the Air Force in California in September 1960, at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. It was in California where their daughter JheriKeith was born in October 1960, after which they moved to Hiawatha, Kansas in September 1961, where Jerry accepted the position of hospital administrator. Jerry remained at Hiawatha Hospital for the next 21 years, retiring in September 1981. 

Jerry was active in his church and Kiwanis. He loved gardening, his roses, golfing and fishing trips with friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Jimmie Keith. He is survived by his daughter Dr. JheriKeith Alkire, son-in-law Alan Davis, and the love of his life, Jack, as well as many nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

A Celebration of Jerry’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Friday, February 24, at First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha, with Rev. Wayne Castle and Rev. Jacob Cloud officiating.

The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard, Veterans Honor Flight, or Brown County Humane Society, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, KS 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com