Gerald Edward “Jerry” Holland, 81, son of William and Lillian Irene (Wheeler) Holland, was born Oct. 23, 1937, in Houston. He passed away Nov. 18, 2018, in Republic, Mo.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Irene Holland; his grandparents, Dave and Mabel Holland and Robert and Anna Wheeler; one brother, Bruce Holland; and a nephew, Luke Holland.
He is survived by two sisters, Anna Vandiver and Carol Doss and husband, David; sister-in-law, Patti Holland; nieces, nephews and cousins; and a longtime friend, Carolyn Cassity of Kansas City, Mo.
Jerry grew up in Houston and graduated in 1955 from Houston High School. He moved to the Kansas City area and entered the Army Reserves for four years.
After his discharge, he began working for his uncle, C.S. Ehinger. He was a project manager and estimator for more than 57 years. They traveled to many states doing demolition for different companies and individuals. He did attend the University of Missouri for two years and then went back to working for his uncle.
Jerry loved sports, especially his Kansas City teams, the Chiefs and the Royals. In his earlier years he enjoyed riding motorcycles. He later was interested in collecting a few older models and in time accumulated a few antique cars. He would go to auctions and buy guns and anything else that caught his attention. Jerry also loved to travel.
Due to health problems he was forced into retirement. While working he befriended a cat, which he named Bobcat. He would make sure it was fed and taken care of. After retirement he took Bobcat home where they enjoyed each other’s company before Jerry went to the nursing home.
He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
Services were 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, at Evans Funeral Home with Wesley Wallace officiating. Burial was in Pine Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Mike Doss, Brent Doss, David Doss, Robert Russell, Cooper Morgan and Willy Morgan. Honorary pallbearer was Bob Ehinger.
Memorials may be made to the Houston Alumni Association c/o Evans Funeral Home, 224 S. Grand, Houston, Mo., 65483.
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