Gerald "Jerry" John Meppelink, Sr.

Gerald "Jerry" Meppelink Sr. - age 78 of Lathrop, MO passed away Saturday,  August 2, 2025, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, MO. Jerry was born on October 5, 1946, the son of John  and Treva (VandeKrol) Meppelink in Spooner, WI. Jerry grew up in Sully, IA and Cameron, MO. He married Kathy (Manos) on September 19th, 1970, in North Kansas City, Missouri. Jerry drove a truck for McCray Lumber Company for over 20 years and was a member of the Teamster's Local. Along with his wife they also owned and operated Kathy's Corner Cafe in Lathrop and Old Home Cafe in Kearney. He was a member of Vine of Life Family Church in Kansas City, MO. Jerry loved woodworking. He loved his grandchildren and was a family oriented person. He was also a very generous person. Jerry also loved his neighbors and drinking coffee. Jerry will be dearly missed by his family and friends. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathy Meppelink; son, Billy Meppelink; brothers: David Meppelink, Kenneth Meppelink, and Leroy Meppelink. He is survived by his two children, Gerald John Meppelink Jr. (Ruth Ann) of Lathrop, MO and Belinda Craig (Matthew) of Richmond, MO;  grandchildren: Elizabeth Carlburg (Leon Lamphear) of Farley, MO, Jonathan Meppelink (Kensie) of Liberty, MO, Courtney Register of San Diego, CA, Jennifer Whipple (Ralph) of San Diego, CA, Cody Shrout (Jessie Bricher) of Cowgill, MO, Conner Craig (Abby) of Warrensburg, MO, Emma Craig of Richmond, MO, and Addie Meppelink of Lathrop, MO;  great-grandchildren: Harley, Haven, Jasey, Watson, Brooklynn, Alaric, and Colton; siblings, Phyllis Fulk (Larry) of Weatherby, MO and James Meppelink (Annette) of OK; nieces, nephews and other extended family members also survive.  
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Lathrop First Christian Church or Vine of Life Family Church in care of the funeral home. A service celebrating Jerry's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop.  The family will receive friends one-hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Lathrop Cemetery, Lathrop, MO. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop (816) 740-4658. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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