Jerry Corder

Jerry Dwayne Corder was born Feb. 16, 1939, to Herman and Roberta Corder in Campbell, Missouri and departed this life peacefully and at rest March 21, 2024, at Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 85.

Jerry grew up and graduated high school in Puxico, Missouri and was drafted into the United States Army upon the insistence of President John F. Kennedy.

During these early years he married and had two daughters: Cynthia D. Dreher and husband, Kenny, of Marthasville, Missouri and Misty G. Gibbs and husband Bryant of Dexter, Missouri. Jerry lived in Dexter most of his life. He was a well-respected businessman and gained many lifelong friendships. Other than Dad and Papa he carried many names but the one that he was most referred to outside of family was “Mouse.”

Jerry worked hard all his life “beating out fenders” as co-owner of Corder and Crowley Auto Body in Dexter. When he wasn’t working, he spent his time racing stock cars on the local dirt tracks. When he retired from racing, he started flying. He would build remote-controlled airplanes and fly them down at the Dexter Airport. He also took lessons and got his pilot’s license. He would fly his family around at night in the Cessna to see the lights and on weekends down to Reelfoot Lake for breakfast. Jerry always had his hands working on something. A hobby, a home remodel, or a car repair. His last ride in the ambulance as they transferred him, the Paramedic said, “Let’s fly.”

Jerry eventually settled down his love for speed when he found his soul mate. On June 18,1999 Jerry was united in marriage to his most cherished companion Mary Margaret Corder, who preceded him in death in May of 2023. During this union he gained three more beloved daughters: Dana Jennings and husband, Tim, of Fisk, Missouri, Cindy Suiter and husband, Steve, of Spring Branch, Texas and Pam Belvin of Dexter, Missouri.

He retired shortly after his marriage to the love of his life Mary, and they enjoyed many years of travel and searching for antiques. They shared the love of their little dogs as they traveled with them every place they went.

After the passing of Mary, he settled into their home to try to find a life without her. He often visited her at the cemetery and told her that he would see her very soon. He would take her flowers every week up until he couldn’t get out to her anymore.

Along with five daughters, Jerry and Mary shared seven grandchildren: Carros Logan Shih (Steve), Jessica Corder Ruch (Brett), Joshua Ryan Shidler (Jessica), Amber Hampton (Brandon), Nick Suiter (Kelly), Stephanie Woodsmall (Colton), and Shana Smith (Hunter); 13 great-grandchildren: Emma, Edison, Grey, Murphy, Fletcher, Shaylee, Brandon, Kenzie, Nicholas, Reed, Crue, Mabree, and Callie.

Jerry is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and sister, Sharon Crisel, and husband, Larry, of Puxico, Missouri and a multitude of friends and loved ones he leaves behind. Jerry will be missed but we know he is rejoicing in the arms of Jesus with Mary and his parents Herman and Roberta by his side.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter with a committal service following at 1 p.m. at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri where he will be laid to rest with full military honors with Rev. Larry Lawman officiating.

To honor the outpouring of love that was shown to him upon Mary’s passing after a long battle with cancer we ask that memorials be made to 18 Fore Life, c/o Scott Kruse, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, Missouri 63841

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.