Jerry Lee Sowder, 73, Burlington, died on October 12, 2018, at the Coffey County Hospital in Burlington.

Jerry was born on August 7, 1945, in Emporia, Kansas, to Lee Leroy and Doris Petty Sowder.

On February 22, 1970, he married Elaine Marie Mentzer, in Burlington. They were the parents of three daughters. Elaine died on December 9, 2013.

Jerry grew up in Burlington and graduated from Burlington High School in 1963. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War. When he returned, he moved to Kansas City to work. After his marriage he and Elaine lived in Burlington where he worked as a mechanic for the local Chevrolet dealership. Later he went to work for the U.S. Post Office doing maintenance from which he retired.  He also farmed and later started Sowder Trucking. He had been a member of the Burlington United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post #38, and the National Guard, all at Burlington.

Jerry was also preceded in death by his parents.

Jerry is survived by his three daughters, Jami Conkle (Brandon), Burlington, Jill Rodgers (Lance), Gridley, and Jena Stucker (David), Melvern, a sister, Linda Combes (Keith), Wakarusa, a brother, Jack Sowder (Barbara), Burlington, 8 grandchildren, Jaleigh, Jentri, and Quade Conkle, Alonna, Shayna, and Laine Rodgers, and Jace and Ayden Stucker, other relatives and friends.

Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed every chance he had to spend time with his children and grandchildren. His favorite word was "papa" and loved spoiling the grandkids. When Mom and Dad said no then they just had to ask Papa. Papa always said yes! followed by don't you tell your mom and dad. He was a very talented from welding to drawing and everything in between. We broke it he fixed it. No matter the situation, he always was there to lend a helping hand and lift you up. His orneriness, silly sayings, funny faces, and jokes will be forever be missed but never forgotten.

Services will be 10:30 A.M., Thursday, October 18, 2018, at The Burlington United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends Wednesday, 6:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery.  Contributions can be made to the Southern Coffey County Honor Flight or the Coffey County Cancer Support Group and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.