Jerry D. Vineyard

Jerry Daniel Vineyard, 82, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away on March 31, 2017. He was born near Dixon, MO, on March 26, 1935, the only child of Henry Vineyard and Florence (Giesler) Vineyard. Jerry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Helen (Anderson) Vineyard, of the home; his daughter, Monica Randolph (Alexandria, VA); his daughter, Vanessa Hammons and husband John (Rogersville, MO); 5 grandchildren - David Randolph and wife Grace, Brittany Randolph, Sarah Hammons, and Lauren Hammons; and numerous extended family and friends. His childhood was spent exploring the hills and hollers of Pulaski County, which led to a lifelong passion for geology and made him a tireless advocate for conservation projects all over the world. Jerry received his MS in Geological Sciences from the University of Missouri - Columbia. He began his career teaching at Kansas City Junior College, followed by a 40-year career with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in Rolla, MO, retiring as Assistant State Geologist. Jerry proudly served in the US Navy after attending ROTC at Mizzou. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant JG and served as a Gunnery Officer aboard the USS Chilton APA 38. Jerry was a member of the Clarence Cannon Dam Wholesale Water Commission, and negotiated water distribution rights on both the upper Missouri and the Mississippi rivers. He was a lifelong member of the Missouri Speleological Society, with a focus on the cave survey, which encouraged scientific study of Missouri's caves and water resources. He served as a board member of the L-A-D Foundation, dedicated to preserving Missouri's natural areas. He authored/coauthored several books on Missouri's natural wonders. A copy of "Geologic Wonders & Curiosities of Missouri", coauthored by Dr. Tom Beveridge and Jerry Vineyard, is in the time capsule of the Missouri State Capital, to be opened 100 years in the future. Jerry considered it an honor to be a public servant and worked hard to preserve Missouri's natural resources for all to enjoy. Jerry and Helen shared a strong faith in God, and Jerry was an active member of various Baptist churches throughout his life. Jerry was a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, and friend with a gentle nature and wicked sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at First Baptist Church, Ozark, MO, on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at 2 p.m., with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jerry's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105; or Christian County Public Library, 1005 N 4th Ave., Ozark, MO, 65721.