JERRY DANCE

Jerry Matt Dance, 92 of Lewistown, Missouri passed away August 10, 2024 at Blessing Hospital, Quincy, Illinois.

Jerry was born August 28, 1937 in Lewistown, Missouri, the son of Ray and Zeda Dance.

Jerry was united in marriage to Betty S. Dance on March 27, 1954, at the Methodist Church, Monticello, Mo. She preceded him in death on February 6, 2022.

He graduated from Lewistown High School where he was active in business classes and sports, predominantly basketball. Jerry was known for his ‘fast’ typing skills of 70wpm on a manual typewriter. He entered the service in January 1952, receiving his training at Fort Leonard Wood. He served 2 years during the Korean War, his ‘speedy’ typing skills placed him in an office management position. Jerry came home as often as possible from Fort Leonard Wood to see his sweetie, Betty.

They wrote many letters through the two years of service, pledging their love to each other.

Before the service Jerry worked for the Lewis County REA as a bookkeeper. After marriage Jerry & Betty Moved to Canton, Missouri before settling in Lewistown, Missouri. He was active in the First Baptist Church of Lewistown, serving in multiple leadership roles along with being ordained as a deacon. Jerry served on the Hannibal-LaGrange College Board of Directors for 31 years. He was a member of Lewis County Memorial Post #578 and a member of the Independent Bankers Association for many years. After working for the Lewistown State Bank for 33 years he retired, continuing to handle estates and investments. After retirement he was appointed to the Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention for eight years. He & Betty wintered in Donna, Texas for 18 years prior to 2008. Later in life we would see Jerry & Betty moving their church membership to the Ewing Baptist Church, Ewing, Missouri. Jerry continued serving as a deacon departing with approximately 60+ years as a deacon.

Jerry is survived by his 3 children, Becky Peck, Liberty, Mo., Debra (Ervin) Uhrig, Branson West, Mo., Greg (Terri) Dance of Mo. 10 grandchildren including Brandon (Rachel) Peck, Kearney, Mo., Jeremy (Jacque) West, Springfield, Mo., Lindsey Ackerson, Liberty, Mo., Phillip Uhrig & Paige Chambers of Branson West, Mo. Eight great grandchildren including Bennett and Pierce Ackerson, Audrey, Liam and Corbin West, Skylynne Peck and Brayden Peck.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty Dance, grandsons Nathaniel Dance and Kaleb Lowery (Peck), sister, Reba Sue Smith, nephews: Jim Primm, John Richardson and David Richardson.

Funeral services were held August 12, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Ewing, Missouri with Rev. Richard Ulrich officiating. Visitation was held preceding services. Pallbearers: Danny Mittelberg, Daniel Griesbaum, Jack Fountain, Simon Thrower, Kim Fleer and Kevin Kelly.

Burial with Military Honors by Lewis County Memorial Post 578 was in the Lewistown Cemetery at Lewistown, Missouri.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ewing.