Jerry J. Jasper

Our community sadly lost one of its pillars on January 31, 2022, when Mr. Jerry J. Jasper, 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. 

Jerry was a great ambassador for the community, with contributions to the city of Washington and to the lives of many that include the adoption of the Washington-Rotary Riverfront Trail; the 1983 remodel of the Washington Municipal pool, the largest stainless steel pool in the country; management of the Washington Fairgrounds during the annual Town & Country Fair; maintenance of the city’s sports fields and parks; and beautification efforts of Lions Lake. He was an active member of local civic organizations and was honored as a lifetime member in the Washington Lions Club. In 2005, a city athletic complex was named in his honor for his many years of dedication and service. 

Jerry studied forestry and graduated from University of Missouri–Columbia in 1973. Following graduation, he returned to the City of Washington, ultimately serving as its Parks and Recreation Director for 26 years, the longest tenure of any parks director in the city's history. In an open letter to the park board after his retirement, Jerry stated, “I will always treasure the great opportunities afforded to me by the good citizens of the Washington community." 

After his retirement from the City of Washington, Jerry reinvented himself as a bank lender and facilities manager. He worked at Bank of Franklin County for 13 years before retiring in 2018 to enjoy fishing at Mark Twain Lake with his family. 

Jerry had an affinity for conservation and preservation. He served as a certified educator in the Missouri Conservation MO Hunter Safety Program for more than 25 years, was an avid outdoorsman and tree enthusiast, and had a passion to share his knowledge with those around him. 

Jerome Joseph Jasper was born February 7, 1951, in Washington, son of Raymond G. Jasper and wife Dorothy M., nee Eckelkamp. 

On February 23, 1974, Jerry was united in marriage to Roxann Jeffery at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Jefferson City, MO. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Dorothy Jasper and mother-in-law, Carolyn Jeffery. 

Jerry is survived by his wife, Roxann Jasper, Washington; one son, Robert Jasper and wife Brittney, Washington; one daughter, Lesley Liesman and husband Rocky, Washington; one brother, Harvey Jasper and wife Susan, Washington; one sister, Darlene Konys and husband Mike, Washington; father-in-law, Donald Jeffery, Ashland, MO; one sister-in-law, LaDona Livell and husband Chester, Washington; one brother-in-law Virgil Jeffery and wife Melanie, Ashland, MO; 4 grandchildren, Roman and Bea Liesman, Henry and Samuel Jasper; other relatives and many friends. 

Visitation and internment will be private. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, February 5 at 12 pm at St. Francis Borgia Church, Washington.  Memorial donations can be made to Our Lady of Lourdes School or St. Francis Borgia Grade School.   C/O Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.