Jerry Wayne Keezer, 74

Jerry Wayne Keezer, 74 of Downs, Kansas, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Osborne County Memorial Hospital, Osborne. Jerry was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 13, 1949, to Louis and Clara "Dodie" Keezer. Jerry spent most of his childhood years growing up in various towns throughout Nebraska as his dad worked in construction.
In 1968 he met and married Bonnie Fisk and to this union two children were born, Penny Jean and Ricky Wayne. Jerry and Bonnie were later divorced. In 1972 Jerry met Rita (Bykerk) in Grand Island, Nebraska, and were married September 27, 1975, in Geneva, Nebraska. In the years following Jerry was an over the road truck driver. The two of them traveled together through many states.
In 1977 Jerry left the trucking business to follow in his dad's footsteps and work as a heavy equipment operator. Jerry's passion was running cranes, which he did for over 40 years. If you were to ask any co-workers, they would tell you he was one of the best. He worked for BRB Contractors out of Topeka, Kansas, for over 30 years. Jerry's work in construction moved them to many states in the U.S.
Jerry and Rita had two children: Daughter Karena Kay born in 1979 and son Jeremy Wade in 1987. In 1988 the family moved from Arkansas to Downs, Kansas, where they have lived ever since. In Jerry's free time he enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping with extended family.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Terry Keezer; brother in-laws, Danny Bykerk, Roger Deiterman and Emil Buresh; sister-in-law, Dorothy Koehler and numerous other family members.
Those left to celebrate his life are wife of 48 years, Rita of Downs; his beloved cat, Bobbi; daughter, Karena (Sam) Bowles of Downs; son, Jeremy Keezer of Broken Bow, Nebraska; daughter, Penny Kirk and son Rick Keezer of Nebraska; brother, Dale (Margaret) Keezer, sister, Cindy (Mark) Archer and sister-in-law Cathy Keezer, all of Wichita; granddaughters, Abigail, Karsyn and Josie, all of Downs, Kansas; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 8, 2024, at 10:00 am at the First Christian Church in Downs with inurnment to follow at Downs Cemetery. The family requests casual dress for guests attending.
Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or Waconda Cultural Association in care of Schoen Funeral Home and Monuments, 1001 Morgan Ave., Downs, KS 67437. Online condolences may be sent to schoenmfhm.com

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