Jerry Allen Corbett

Jerry Allen Corbett, age 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior after a short fight with lung cancer on August 3, 2024. He died peacefully in his home surrounded by family and his beautiful wife, Sharon of 20 years.

Jerry was born in Upland, California on November 1, 1938, to James and Ethel Corbett. He grew up with his younger brother, James “Jimmy” and younger sister, Betty Corbett in California. Jerry learned to play the clarinet and played in the band during Junior High and High School.

Growing up and continuing throughout his adult life, Jerry was very involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and made it to the rank of Life Scout. He even served as Scoutmaster for 10 years and helped 13 boys achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, including his own son Jeff, for which he was extremely proud. He would eventually receive The Silver Beaver, which is the highest Scout award a volunteer can receive.

Jerry played football in high school and after graduating in 1956, received a 4-year scholarship to play at Whittier College. He met his first wife, Lorraine “Laurie” Pekelder at Bellflower High School as well and she followed him to Whittier College. They eventually married in 1958. Together they had two children, Robert Jeffrey in 1960, and Michelle Lynn in 1964. In 1976 they enjoyed an eight country European trip that Jerry enjoyed talking about and sharing pictures of up until just days before he died.

Jerry had several different jobs throughout his life but ended up working as a Civil Engineer for B.T. Environmental Company until he retired. Jerry met Sharon Sue Hook in 2003 and married into her large family of five kids in August of 2004. They had a sweet, fairytale wedding at First Baptist Church in Ozark, Missouri with all of their grandchildren as their attendants. The wedding was so fitting for their love story.

They bought a fixer upper, 4000 square foot home in Russellville, Arkansas and enjoyed living there until 2008. While living in Russellville, Jerry became a project manager for a one-million-dollar addition to their church, Crow Mountain Baptist Church. Jerry and Sharon moved to Billings, Mo in 2008. They enjoyed doing more renovations on a beautiful, 3000 square foot, Victorian home. They attended Calvary Baptist Church in Republic, Missouri and were happy being closer to some of Sharon’s family. Eventually, in 2014, Jerry and Sharon moved back to Ozark, Missouri and began attending First Baptist Church of Ozark again. They had a great time just enjoying retired life and spending time with all their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jerry was an avid collector of many different things, but had a love for trains, coins, artwork, and stamps.

In 2018 he had to have his right leg amputated due to neuropathy and a spider bite that never could heal. He became very skilled getting around in his red scooter. Jerry and Sharon would eventually move to the bungalows at the Baptist Home in Ozark, which had been a dream of Sharon’s for years. There, they would relish frequent visits from their children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Sharon Sue Corbett; a sister, Betty Corbett Kairis; a sister-in-law, Mar Lynn Mason Corbett; a daughter, Michelle Corbett Boots(Dave); five stepchildren, Kim Hardin Smith(Mark), Karla DeClue (Chip), Kelly Frakes, Dwayne “Buck” Hook II(Kristina), Cindy McGoldrick(Darren); several nieces and nephews; 18 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ethel Corbett.; a brother, James Michael Corbett; his son, Robert Jeffery Corbett; and a grandson, Brandon Paul McGoldrick.

He will be missed by so many who loved him. Knowing that he is healthy and completely whole again is such a joy!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society. 

A visitation will be Friday, August 9, 2024, at 10:00 am at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri with a Funeral Service at 11:00 am following the visitation.  A graveside service will follow at Hopedale Cemetery, Ozark, Missouri.