KELSO - Jerry Emerson Klaffer, 43, was called home to heaven on March 15, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born Jan. 19, 1962, in Paducah, Ky., son of the late James A. and Mary DeMaris Klaffer, he grew up in Brookport, Ill. After receiving his degree in radiologic science from SIU-Carbondale in 1985, he moved to Missouri. He was employed at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston for 17 years before leaving for the Cape Radiology Group where he was presently employed.
A member of the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, he was a volunteer in Kelso youth sports, serving as assistant coach for several years.
His short time here was spent touching the lives of all who knew him. His devotion to family, loyalty to friends, commitment and pride to his church and community, his strong work ethic and compassion for others, and his love of life will make up the precious memories he has left with us. His bright smile and warm spirit will be sadly missed by all, but will certainly make heaven a brighter place for Jerry to await our reunion with him.
On Aug. 27, 1988, in Sikeston he married Monica Kelly who survives of the home.
Other survivors include: four sons, Dillon Klaffer, Jordan Klaffer, Landon Klaffer and Preston Klaffer of the home; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Patti Klaffer of Rock Hill, S.C., and Jack and Teresa Klaffer and John and Melinda Klaffer of Brookport, Ill.; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Judy and Bill Fitch of Metropolis, Ill., and Joyce and DeWayne Allen and Janie and Marvin Beshears of Brookport; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ronald and Bernadette Kelly of DeSoto, Ill.; and nine nieces, eight nephews, five great-
nieces, six great-nephews and many special friends and neighbors.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one great-niece and one great-nephew.
Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City where parish prayers will be recited at 6:30 p.m. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso with the Rev. Oliver Clavin as celebrant.
Burial will follow in the St. Augustine Cemetery.
Paid obituary