Jerome J. Bax

Jerome "Jerry" Joseph Bax, age 75, of Rich Fountain passed away Friday, October 8, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia following a brief battle with cancer.

Jerry was born on October 25, 1934, in Koeltztown, the son of the late William and Coletta (Bax) Bax.

He attended school at St. Boniface in Koeltztown and worked at International Shoe Factory for several years after school. In 1954, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1954-1956. During his military service, he acquired his electrical training and upon his return in May 1956, was employed with Stokes Electric. He retired after 40 years of service in 1996.

On August 18, 1956, he was united in marriage to Marcella J. Boehm in Rich Fountain. She survives at the home.

Jerry was a member of Sacred Heart Parish, American Legion Post #317, VFW Post 8045, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2693, Westphalia Lions Club, IBEW Local Union 257 and served as a board member and volunteer with the Rich Fountain/Freeburg Fire Department.

J.J. enjoyed farming and raising cattle for annual butchering, his electrical trade, gathering with family and friends at his cabin on the Gasconade River, and dedicated much time to the Sacred Heart Parish Picnic and Fall Festival. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and a friend to many throughout his 75 years of life.

In addition to his wife of 54 years, Marcella, Jerry is survived by: three sons, Dennis and his wife Rhonda of Freeburg, Darrell and his wife Lori of Freeburg, and Dean and his wife Stacy of Rich Fountain; two daughters, Donna Watson and her husband James and Debbie Bax both of Jefferson City; seven grandchildren, Allison Bornhauser (Sam), Lucas Bax (fiancAC. Jennifer Juergens), Nicole Massman (Brent), Logan, Amber, Destiny, and Trenton Bax; two great-grandchildren, Trey and T.J. Bornhauser; four brothers, Harold Bax of Jefferson City, James Bax (Betsy) of Taos, William Bax (Pat) of Taos, and Joseph Bax (Linda) of Jefferson City; one sister-in-law, Esther Dalton (James) of Jefferson City and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by: one brother, David Bax; one sister-in-law, Mary Lou Bax; one son-in-law, Bobby Gibson; and one nephew, John Bax.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm, on Monday, October 11, 2010, at Sacred Heart Church in Rich Fountain with a prayer service at 4:30 pm and an American Legion service immediately following conducted by American Legion Post #317.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am, on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, at Sacred Heart with Fr. Philip Niekamp officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy are suggested to Sacred Heart Home and School Association.