Jerry L. Sunley, age 76 of Ozark, Missouri passed away peacefully, early Monday morning, November 16, 2020 in his home. He was born September 1, 1944 in Springfield, Illinois the son of John T. and Eleanor Mae (Bradford) Sunley. On September 8, 1971 Jerry was united in marriage to Donna Braner, in Reno Nevada.
In 1965, Jerry joined the United States Army and graduated from Helicopter Flight Training in October 1966. He proudly served his country as a pilot and flew Cobra and Huey Helicopters while serving two tours of duty during the Vietnam War. During his long flying career, Jerry held various positions as a licensed pilot and was employed with many companies throughout various states and countries. Jerry was a devoted family man who lovingly looked after those in his immediate and extended family, and shared considerable time with friends. He will be sadly missed but will live on forever in the hearts of his family and loved ones.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife Donna; two sons Heath Sunley and Davin Sunley (Svetlana); two grandchildren Hunter and Veronika; one brother Sam Sunley (Judy); niece Rene Gonzalez (Sergio); nephew Curt Ingle(Diann), other caring relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Ed Sunley and nephew Doug Chambers.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
Visitation for Jerry will be 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Friday, November 20, 2020 in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. Burial with full military honors will follow at 11:00 A.M. in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield. On line condolences may shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals. com
Condolences(20)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous William C. Kearnes
Next Kenneth “Doc” Lane
Adam Curtis says
November 18, 2020 at 11:27 amMy heart and prayers go out to Donna, Heath, Davin, and the rest of Jerry’s family and his friends. Just a true gentleman in all aspects of his life. Rest in peace Jerry.
Andrew Strimas says
November 18, 2020 at 12:09 pmTo the entire Sunley family,
I want to offer my sincere condolences on behalf of the entire Strimas family. Jerry was my American dad during my time at school in St. Louis and Jefferson City, Missouri. The Sunley family always made sure to include me in family and holiday events which meant a great deal to me as my family was way up north in Canada.
One fond story that Heath and I reminisce about during our time at Lincoln University –
It was a Sunday afternoon after one of our many parties when we discovered that someone had taken their vehicle off roading through the apartment complex; totally wrecking the grass. The apartment complex assumed (and they were correct) that it must have happened during our party (which it did). Instead of talking to myself or Heath, the apartment complex decided to call both of our fathers. I was on the line while my dad in Canada was giving me you know what when all of a sudden the call waiting beep sounded. I immediately put my dad on hold only to discover that Jerry was on the other line and he proceeded to give me you know what as well. For the next ten minutes or so I bounced back and forth between the two dads holding the phone at arms length from my ear.
That story always brings a smile to my face.
Dick Jones says
November 18, 2020 at 12:36 pmJerry was my friend and was a Grrrrrrr8 buddy. He was a professional pilot of helicopters and fixed wing, A smooth golfer that taught me about PUs and IDKs. He loved life, family, friends, flying, golf, donuts and banana creme pie. I write this with man mist in my eyes.
Nancy Hays says
November 18, 2020 at 1:05 pmI am so sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Ryan Cameron says
November 18, 2020 at 1:12 pmI can count on one hand the number of men I’ve known in my life that were bona fide heroes. Jerry Sunley was at the top of that list. He will be sadly and truly missed.
Lisa Mcfall says
November 18, 2020 at 1:38 pmDonna, Heath and Davin, my heart is broken for you, Jerry was truly one of the great ones! He adored his family, especially you Donna!! I always felt so very safe flying with him. He was serious about his role with our flight team, but we had so much fun also!!!! Please remember we loved him dearly!!! Lisa Mcfall
Bill Sunley says
November 18, 2020 at 3:45 pmDonna and family: So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Hope that family and friends are a comfort to you all.
Tom and Linda Metzler says
November 18, 2020 at 4:18 pmJerry was a great friend and great golf partner! We have never met a finer person than Jerry. His sense of humor and wit always kept us laughing. He will be greatly missed and in our hearts forever. He is gone but never forgotten!
Jeffrey Loring says
November 18, 2020 at 4:59 pmI worked with Jerry at Tenneco, he was a great person and we had alot of fun together, great pilot and always a smile on his face, my prayers are with Donna and the rest of his family
John Ebers says
November 18, 2020 at 5:48 pmSo sorry to hear about this. I always enjoyed seeing Jerry at the Elks golf tournaments in Osage Beach. He was a fun guy and had that Sunley sense of humor. My condolences.
Joe & Sherry Ebers and Family says
November 19, 2020 at 10:32 amDonna and family, Our hearts go out to all of you. We have so many fun memories of Jerry. He was one of a kind and will be missed by many. We regret that we will not be able to be there for the funeral, but please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Ted Macklin says
November 19, 2020 at 11:58 amJerry and I met and became friends back in 1966 just before he joined the US Army. That friendship has now lasted more than 54 years and created more wonderful memories than I can count. Words cannot express my sorrow at his passing.
To Donna, your sons Heath and Davin, and to Jerry’s brother Sam, stay strong and know that although Marilyn and I cannot be there to comfort you, you are forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Ted Macklin
Ed and Sandy Clemens says
November 19, 2020 at 2:27 pmDonna I was so shocked to learn of Jerry’s passing. Please know that our thoughts prayers are with you and the boys at this most difficult time.
Dana Ebers Cross says
November 19, 2020 at 7:34 pmSo sorry to hear about Jerry. My condolences to the entire Sunley family. Sending you peace and comfort ❤️
Dana Ebers Cross says
November 19, 2020 at 7:36 pmSo sorry to hear about Jerry’s passing. My condolences to the entire Sunley family. Sending you peace and comfort ❤️
Pat Ebers says
November 20, 2020 at 12:52 pmSo sad to hear that Jerry has passed. I didn’t get to see him often, but anytime I did it was a blast! Stay strong Sunley family, you’re in our thoughts.
Frank & Celeste Fischer says
November 20, 2020 at 8:19 pmDonna, Heath & Davin. I know this past year has been terribly difficult for you and the entire Sunley Family. We are fortunate to have so many happy and remarkable memories to rely on when we remember and talk about Jerry. Frank thought of Jerry as his brother, a bond that began during their Vietnam days and instructing at Fort Walters. Their connection was something special to see and will be sorely missed. Jerry was always so kind and had a remarkable sense of humor. Donna, your marriage remains one I admire and try to emulate. We are sorry we could not attend today’s service, but we are grateful for our October visit. You will hear from us soon. You all have our love and heartfelt condolences. We will miss him so. XO
Jerry K Bryant says
November 25, 2020 at 4:40 pmSo sorry to hear about Jerry’s passing.
Donna Sunley says
December 15, 2020 at 10:17 pmThanks, Jerry. Sure appreciate your message. We’ve thought many times about you through the years. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Mike Stroud says
January 4, 2021 at 8:23 amDonna, I just found out about Jerry’s passing. I am so sorry. Jerry and I had great times when going through flight school together.
Our Location
1700 South 15th Avenue
P.O. Box 796
Ozark, Missouri 65721
Contact Us
Phone: (417) 581-7811
Fax: (417) 581-7911
Follow Us!
All Rights Reserved