Jerry Leroy Basham of Eminence, Missouri was born at home in Silver Lake, Oregon, on May 2, 1949, the sixth child of James "Jack" Carter and Bertha May (Huddleston) Basham. He departed this life on June 13, 2021, at the age of 72 years, 1 month, and 11 days.

He finished his junior year of high school at Eminence, Missouri, and then went on to St. Louis, and became employed at the Chevrolet Truck Plant. Jerry was drafted into the Army on May 20, 1969, at 20 years old, and served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged for his service on February 22, 1970, and received the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Purple Heart, and the Commendation Medal. Later, Jerry worked at the Phillips 66 station in Winona and in The Timber from time to time. He retired at the age of 65 years.

Jerry was married to Sandra Paige in 1970 and to this union, three children were born. In 1976 he was married to Sherry Gail Norris and to this union three children were born, and in 2006 he was married to Anna Hammond.

He is survived by his daughter, Julie K. Boatman of Sands Spring, OK; four sons, Christopher N. Basham of Sands Springs, OK, Jeremy L. Basham (Jennifer) of Eminence, MO, Jason T. Basham (Sarah), and Zachary L. Basham both of Winona, MO; two brothers, Jack Basham (Carol) of Hillsboro, MO, and Danny Basham (Sandy) of Winona, MO; one sister, Phyllis Baker of Lebanon, MO; fourteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Bertha Basham; one son, Jerry Wayne Basham; one grandson, Zander L. Basham; two brothers, Truman L. and Ronald R. Basham;   and one sister-in-law, Norma Basham.

He was baptized on November 21, 1993, at the Winona Methodist Church. He enjoyed being with his family and friends. Jerry will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 18, 2021, at Yarber Mortuary, Eminence, Missouri with Roy Bettis officiating.  Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 6-8:00 p.m., also at the funeral home.  Interment will be in New Eminence Cemetery in Eminence, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be sent to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.