Jerry Ralph Chezum April 23, 1941 - October 10, 2018

Jerry Ralph Chezum, 77, of Macon, MO, passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at his home in Macon.

Jerry was born April 23, 1941, in Jefferson County, IA, the son of Ralph Sylvester and Margie Kathleen (Loe) Chezum. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Karen Keller on June 4, 1961 in Fairfield, IA. “Poncho” was proud of his participation in football and wrestling in high school. He served in the Army Reserves and volunteered his time freely throughout his life. He volunteered for the Fairfield Police Reserve, was President of the Fairfield Booster Club, was a member of the Macon County Utilities Board and was an active member of the Macon Elks Club annually playing Santa for the Veterans Committee. An avid HAM Radio Operator, he was a founding member of the Macon Amateur Radio Club (KØJKJ) – his call letters, KØJMO, are now silent. His favorite things were fishing, telling jokes and stories, and especially spending time with his family. His laugh was contagious to us all.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Karen of the home, his three children, Libbi Sparks of Liberty, MO, Brian Chezum and his wife, Kelly, of Canton, NY, Amy Youngblut and her husband, Nick, of Jesup, IA; and six grandchildren, Josh, Nathan, Cade, Nikayla, Makena, and Merrick; one sister, Janice Ledger and her husband, Virgil, of Pleasant Plain, IA; and several nieces, nephews, in-laws and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at the Hutton & McElwain Funeral Home in Macon. Burial will be in the Mt. Salem Cemetery south of Excello, MO. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm, Monday evening, at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to the Veterans Committee at the Macon Elks Lodge.