Jerry Wimsett, 78, of Chanute died Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 at Heritage Nursing Home in Chanute.

Jerry was born in Humboldt on Sept. 20, 1934, the son of Walter and Jaunita Hunt Wimsett. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1953 and later from Pittsburg University in 1962. After high school he enlisted in the Air Force. He married Carol Ann Pollman on April 26, 1958 in Humboldt. She preceded him in death on April 28, 2012.

Jerry was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt, where he held many offices locally for the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. He was on the first board of directors of Community National Bank, board of directors of EKOGA and Square Deal Oil Company. He was also a member of the VFW Post 1654 and American Legion Post 170.

Jerry is survived by four children, Mike Wimsett and wife, Jennifer, of Chanute, Walter Wimsett and wife, Vicki, of Anchorage, Alaska, Christina Barfoot and husband, Kent, of Humboldt, and Tim Wimsett and Amanda Mitchell of Chanute; 14 grandchildren, Janae and Clayton Palet, Kristy and Chris Weldon, Lori and Justin Bancroft, Amy and Nick Ranz, AnnaBeth and Grant Gilmore, Ben and Hannah Wimsett, Mallory and Caleb Brintnall, Michael and Megan Barfoot, Stevie Barfoot, Tanya Wimsett, Jesse Wimsett, Kimberly Wallach, Heather and Greg Wahlers, and John and Brandi Metze; 22 great-grandchildren, Brittney, Gracie, and Josie Palet, Bryce and Natalie Weldon, Blake, Brinly, Braddox, and Briggs Bancroft, Madison, Parker, and Brooklyn Ranz, John, Syerra, Maisen, and Camden Gilmore, Aspen Wimsett, John and Morgan Wallach, Oliver Wahlers, and John and Baylee Metze; and one sister, Joan Hurst and husband Joe of Independence.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials in his name may be made to the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or Zion Lutheran Sonshine Preschool and may be left with the funeral home.

Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com