JERRY PLOWMAN
Jerry J. Plowman, a first generation farmer whose land is located in Knox County, Missouri, died September 27, 2018, of complications from heart disease. He was 81.
Jerry, the son of Gerald “Peck” and Emma Marie (Klingler) Plowman, came into this world on February 27, 1937, in his grandparent’s farm house near West Point, Illinois. Born dangerously premature for the time, Jerry was immediately faced with a battle for his life. As the country doctor left the farm house, he quietly told Grandma Klingler that Jerry’s chance of survival was nearly zero, “…just try and keep him warm.” She heeded the doctor’s instruction by “incubating” tiny Jerry in a blanket-lined bread pan atop the open door of her wood stove. For those who were acquainted with Jerry, you now know the origin of his unremitting determination.
After graduating as a Blue Boy in 1954 from Carthage (Illinois) High School and working as a carpenter, Jerry met the love of his life at a local dance. Though Esther Ann Scheuermann had been asked if she needed a ride home by another admirer, she chose otherwise and left with the determined and love-struck young carpenter. They later married at the Bethany Evangelical Church in Tioga, Illinois, on September 13, 1959 (59 years ago).
Jerry eventually joined his father’s trucking business working as a partner and operator for ten years. However, since his childhood when he often worked with “horse-drawn” equipment on his Grandpa Klingler’s farm, Jerry could not resist his desire to farm. In 1972, a determined Jerry and wife, Esther, moved to the farm they had just purchased east of Hurdland, MO. Completely on their own, saddled with tremendous debt and two little ones, their blood, sweat, and tears resulted in a successful cattle, hog, and row-crop operation. Though the livestock is no longer there, the family farm remains today as a productive testament to his dedication and hard work.
For Jerry, life was not exclusively limited to work. As a top level pitcher, Jerry’s love of men’s fast-pitch softball took his family to as many games and tournaments as would fit into their busy schedules. He was well known in the area for his skill and fiercely competitive play.
Jerry enjoyed hunting and fishing, as long as someone else cleaned his catch. For those fortunate to see Jerry and Esther grace the dance floor, their love of dance spoke for itself. Jerry also enjoyed playing cards and always did so with that predictable determination of his.
From 1974 through 1981, Jerry served as a member on the Knox County R-1 School Board. He took this responsibility seriously and in typical fashion, pursued his role with the best of intentions… and determination.
First and foremost was Jerry’s love and devotion to God. Everything he pursued in life was in a manner intended to please our Lord. This was evident by the love, caring, and kindness he shared with all who knew him. Even though his sharing seemed “tough” at times, it was his determination that pushed him to do what he felt was right and honest.
Loved ones who cleared the path for Jerry’s entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven were his father, Gerald “Peck”, and mother, Emma Marie Plowman.
Loved ones who will miss Jerry until the glorious day they meet again are his wife, Esther; daughter, Pamela Ann (Plowman) Abrahamson and husband, Dave; son, Timothy Jay Plowman and wife, Rhonda; granddaughter, Erin (Abrahamson) Strefling and husband, Clint; grandson, Adam Abrahamson and wife, Micalah; grandson, Josh Abrahamson; granddaughter, Raeanne Plowman; and grandson, Gerald Tyler Plowman.
Jerry had a special way of leaving an impression with everyone who met and knew him. Though we have lost him here on earth, his presence will forever be with us.
Visitation will be held after 4:00 pm Friday, October 5, 2018, at the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO.
Services will be lead by Pastor Paul Milliken beginning at 1:00 pm, Saturday, October 6, 2018, at the Novelty Christian Church, Highway 156, Novelty, MO.
Burial will follow in the Bethany United Church of Christ Cemetery in Tioga, IL.
Casket bearers will be grandsons, Adam Abrahamson, Josh Abrahamson, Gerald Tyler Plowman and Clint Strefling, and nephews, Dan Scheuermann, David Scheuermann, Kenneth Scheuermann, Ryan Scheuermann, and Scott Larimer.
Memorials may be made in support of Novelty Christian Church’s mission efforts and/or the Knox County Nutrition Site by leaving or mailing to the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO, 63537.02/27/1937
