Jerry Lee “JB” Bueker, 76, of Holton, KS, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS. He was born February 1, 1945 in Horton, KS, the son of Willie E. and Roberta M. (Vandervort) Bueker.

Jerry graduated from Soldier High School in 1964. After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Navy from 1965 – 1969 during the Vietnam War.

He worked for Allis Chalmers as an assembler and inspector for 18 years and was self-employed building fence and seeding watershed dams for 25 years. He retired in 2017 from the State of Kansas after 28 ½ years; he worked in highway maintenance for KDOT.

Jerry was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holton, Holton V.F.W. Post 1367, Holton American Legion Post 44 and American Legion Riders. He also participated in Harvesters at Holton and Netawaka, he served at the Rescue Mission in Topeka representing his church, and he was part of countless Honor Guards and flag lines to honor veterans at their passing.  He loved his country and represented it well.

He married Terry Eileen (Rogers) Draper on June 14, 1997 in Holton. They celebrated over 23 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife, Terry of the home; 2 daughters, Jerri Newman (Doug) of Shawnee, KS and Kelli McClintock (Josh) of Holton, KS; son, Jeff Draper (Sarah) of Holton, KS and 9 grandchildren, Deanna, Jenna, Joshua, Mackenna, Reese, Savhannah, Madie, Gracie and Braylon.

Jerry will lie in state late Friday afternoon, February 19, 2021 thru Sunday, February 21, 2021 until 6:00 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. A Private Family Funeral and burial with Military Honors at Holton Cemetery will be held Monday, February 22, 2021. A celebration open to all friends and family will be planned for a future date TBD. Memorials may be given to the Holton Vets Club or First United Methodist Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.