Jerry Ira Daigh

Jerry Ira Daigh, 90, of Olathe, Kansas journeyed to his eternal home September 5, 2023. He passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and children.

Jerry was born on May 26, 1933, in Parsons, Kansas to Raymond Delbert Daigh and Mary Magdelene (Dot) Cottey Daigh. He was preceded in death by his parents and his only sister, Madeline Rae Daigh Cottengim (John Cottengim). In 1956 he married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Moffatt. They were married 67 years before his passing. Jerry and Pat had two children, Toni Lee Daigh Kliewer (Douglas Michael Kliewer) and John Raymond Daigh (Jacqueline Jane Harris Daigh). They have 5 grandchildren: Amanda Rhea Daigh Proctor DeJaager, (Nathan Proctor, Eric DeJaager) Maxwell Harrison Daigh, Mackenzie Jane Daigh, Daniel Jordan Kliewer (Anne Margaret Stella Kliewer) and Matthew Kliewer (Markeesha Nicole Wyant Kliewer) and 6 great grandchildren., Beckett Proctor, Murphy Peterson, Archie Peterson, Riley DeJaager, Jack DeJaager and Eleanor Jane Kliewer.

After graduating from high school in Parsons, Jerry enlisted in the US Air Force. He served in active duty from 1952 – 1956 as an aviation mechanics instructor and later volunteered to serve in Okinawa, Japan where he was a crew chief on an F-94B, F-86D and for the Squadron Commander. He was also Inspector Chief of an inspection crew. He returned stateside from the Korean War on inactive reserve and was honorably discharged February 1960.

Jerry worked for Ervin's Auto and Marine Shop prior to and after returning from his time of service. He attended Pittsburg State College earning a degree in Business Administration which he put to use for the State of Kansas starting as an unemployment agent, then Director of Patient Accounts at Parsons State Hospital and Training Center. In 1982 he accepted the position of Business Administrator for Rainbow Mental Health Facility in Kansas City. Next, he served as the state's Medicaid Liaison to major hospitals throughout Kansas. He ended his career with the State as a Special Agent/Investigator for the Kansas Department of Transportation which he enjoyed immensely. He retired in 1994.

Jerry was very proud of his service to our country and very proud of his family. He was a man of integrity; his word was his bond. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. He made sure his family never lacked for anything, especially love. He was the spiritual leader of the family. He supported his children in all their activities, as well as coaching many of his son's baseball teams. He never missed one of his kids' games and continued this legacy with his grandchildren.

Jerry and Pat were active members of Grace United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the church.

Jerry's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service

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