Jerry Lee Dinsmore

Jerry Lee Dinsmore passed away on April 20th at the age of 89. He was born on August 28, 1935, to Paul and Lucile (Colton) Dinsmore.

Jerry graduated from Tina High School as Valedictorian of the Senior Class with an Academic Scholarship and a provisional Athletic Scholarship to Central College in Fayette, Missouri. He took a detour from his education to serve in the Army. He was stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas, Fort Carson in Colorado, attended advanced infantry training in Chicago, Illinois, and finally ending up at Camp Haven, Wisconsin. He continued as an Active Reservist with the Brookfield, MO, and Clinton, MO, reserve units until June 1958 when he was given an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Specialist Fifth Class (Sergeant).

Following his military tour, Jerry returned to finish his education at Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg, Missouri. He completed his undergraduate program and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in May 1958 and a Masters in Science and Education in August 1964. Jerry was a science teacher in the Independence School District, being one of the original teachers at Truman High School. He also was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Secondary Science Program for the Independence School District. He retired from teaching in May of 1991, but stayed actively involved with the Independence School District Credit Union, serving as President and a member of the Board of Directors.

On August 31, 1958, he married Alberta Cowsert, and they moved to Independence MO where they resided for the next 67 years. During that time, he became the father to three daughters and was very happy being a “girl dad”. He always supported them in their activities and took great pride in their life successes. In addition, he was grandfather to five and great-grandfather to eleven.

Following retirement, Jerry and Alberta enjoyed traveling to many interesting places in the world, fishing at their place near Truman Lake, playing cards and dominoes, and spoiling their grandchildren. They had many homes during their life together and made friends wherever they lived.

Jerry was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and the Journeyman Sunday School Class. As a member of the Independence Host Lions Club, he served in many leadership positions at both the local and district levels. Jerry served on many neighborhood boards and gave back to the community in numerous ways.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents, parents, sisters Ellen Robison and Marjorie DeVilbiss. He is survived by his wife, Alberta; daughters Teri Gulick (Mike) of Blue Springs MO, Diana Dinsmore (Roger Reese) of Naples FL, Donna Lamble of Shawnee KS; granddaughter Jennifer Caughlin (Kevin) Warrensburg MO; grandsons Brian Ogle (Jennifer) Cocoa Beach Fl, Robert Ogle (Laurel) Independence MO, Kevin Lamble (Brianna) Shawnee KS, Jeff Lamble Shawnee KS, and great grandchildren in MO , KS & FL; three sisters Carol Icenogle, Jean Masters and Nancy Dinsmore-Puccio; and brother-in-law Larry DeVilbiss, as well as several nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Jerry was a kind and patient person who others often sought for advice and guidance. He will be greatly missed by those who have known him. Rest in Peace. 

Visitation will be held from 10-12pm on Thursday, April 24th at the Christ United Methodist Church in Independence, Mo. A memorial service will begin at 12pm. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Lions Club or to the Christ United Methodist Church.