Gerald R. Vawter, the son of Lester Edward and Ruth Amelia (Risdon) Vawter, was born December 11, 1937, in Hamburg, Iowa. He attended Tarkio High School, Tarkio, Missouri, graduating in 1957.

On February 15, 1959, Gerald was united in marriage to Shirley Traub at Madison Methodist Church, Hamburg. They became the parents of three children, Gerry, Sheri, and Jeanne. The family made their home in rural Westboro, Missouri, on the family farm.

Gerald was a farmer, raising hogs, cattle, sheep, and row crops of corn and soybeans. Later, he was also employed by Lester and Garst where he sold seed. In the 1980’s, Gerald was employed by VanVickle Monuments, where he sold headstones, retiring in 2007.

Gerald was a member of the Westboro Methodist Church and New Theatre, Kansas. He enjoyed watching football and track, attending NASCAR races, and hunting. Most of all, he loved spending time with family. Gerald passed away Monday, November 25, 2024, at Pathfinder Senior Living, Fremont, Nebraska, at the age of 86.

Besides his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by daughter, Sheri Vawter, and brother, John Edward Vawter. Survivors include wife, Shirley Vawter, Westboro; children, Gerry (Kathy) Vawter, Chandler, Arizona, and Jeanne (Glen) Dirkschneider, Snyder, Nebraska; grandchildren, Jacob, Jennifer, Aaron, and Jace; great-granddaughter, Sutton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the Westboro Methodist Church, Westboro, conducted by Pastor Cathy Riggins and Rev. Franz J. Brandenburg. Interment was at Center Grove Cemetery, Westboro. Memorials may be directed to Center Grove Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio. Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.