Jerry Earl Laseter, age 83, of Sikeston died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Born May 21, 1939, at Sikeston, to Emerson Hill Laseter and Aileen Byrd Laseter, Jerry was a 1956 graduate of Sikeston High School. Following graduation, he attended Union University at Jackson, Tennessee, and then attended the School of Telegraphy in Pueblo, Colorado. He enlisted in the Army National Guard and was stationed at Fort Ord, California, for training then released for service with the Missouri National Guard.

Jerry began his railroad career as a telegrapher in November 1957 with Cotton Belt Railroad. He later moved to work with Missouri Pacific Railroad and then Union Pacific Railroad, where he would retire as Director of Transportation.

A member and deacon emeritus of the First Christian Church in Sikeston, Jerry was a member of the Sikeston Elks Lodge 2319, a member of the Missouri Pacific Historical Society and was serving on the board of the SEMO Port Authority. In 1996, he began farming with his brother retiring in 2014.

Family was important to Jerry. He loved his wife, son and daughter. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life.

On Aug. 12, 1960, he married Rita Jean Lewis, who survives of the home.

Also surviving is his son, Jerry Earl Laseter II (Chrislynn Jones) of Nashville, Tennessee; his daughter, JoLaseter Lambert (Denny Alcorn) of Morley, Missouri; his grandchildren, Joseph “Scotty” Lambert (Carolyn Lambert) of Blodgett, Missouri; Macy Jo Moore of Sikeston and Layla Laseter of Nashville; his great-grandchildren, Joseph Scott Lambert II and Joey Tig Lamber both of Blodgett; his brother, Robert (Wanda) Laseter of Sikeston and his sister, Tammy Laseter of Memphis, Tennessee; his sister-in-law, Donna Laseter of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and also his nieces and nephews, Sherry Glastetter, Rob Laseter, Joey Laseter-Boyd, David Laseter, Leslie Laseter-Frazier and Christina Newell.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Michael D. Laseter, and one nephew, Mike Laseter.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at the First Christian Church in Sikeston from 1 p.m. until the Memorial Service at 2 p.m. Jason Williams, Pastor of the First Christian Church in Sikeston, will officiate. Keith Norris of Spring, Texas, and Steve McPheeters of Sikeston will serve as Eulogists.

Immediately following the Memorial Service, family and friends will gather for fellowship in the First Christian Church Family Life Center.

Services conducted under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the First Christian Church, 1006 N. Main, Sikeston, MO 63801.