Jerry Effort Wilson, age 76, passed away peacefully at home with his family on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

Jerry was born April 17, 1947, in El Dorado, Kansas, where he met and married his soul mate, Linda Jean Call. The two celebrated fifty years of marriage on August 21, 2021, before Linda passed away later that year. Linda's passing left a void in Jerry's heart that could not be filled on this side of heaven.

Jerry selflessly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He held a couple of jobs during his life, with the majority of his employment history as an operator at Texaco refinery. He worked at El Dorado Correctional Facility for a time as well. In both of these positions, Jerry was seen as a hard worker, but more importantly, he was recognized as a faithful and loyal co-worker and friend.

Jerry had several passions in life; one of them was music. His dad gave him a guitar when he was in grade school, and it quickly became a part of him; he rarely put it down. His biggest claim to fame is that he was the founding member of the band "The Weasels." The Weasels were well-known locally, playing first at school events, but expanding to bigger gigs, and eventually participating in (and winning) "Battle of the Bands" competitions. In 1969, they submitted an audition tape and beat out over a thousand other bands to secure a recording contract with Soundville in Houston, Texas. They did some recording and produced an album, but circumstances outside their control cut their experience short. Jerry and Linda returned to El Dorado where they spent the remainder of their lives together, raising their family. Jerry never quit playing music though. His rich, smooth voice and his legendary guitar skills, as well as the unique sound of the entire band, was requested to play at countless events, from class reunions to holiday gatherings, to benefits and community events - and people came out in droves to hear them. No one wanted to miss a show when the Weasels were playing. Jerry's sheer joy for music was obvious every time he picked up a guitar or stepped on a stage. His smile and his energy were undeniable. Jerry was so impressed by the talent of his bandmates and he loved each and every one of them like family.

Family was another passion of Jerry's. He and Linda had four children and he loved them with all his heart. He worked hard to provide for them and he wrote song after song expressing his love for both Linda and the kids. As his children grew up and had families of their own, his love grew as he became Papa to ten wonderful grandchildren. He was a natural – as a father and a grandad, and his children and grandchildren loved his silly antics, revered his humble, patient nature, and coveted his time and his hugs – which he shared freely and often.

Jerry could be described a rock star, an artist, an avid reader, a computer junkie, a collector, a writer, a comedian, and a teacher. He loved whistling, Flowbee haircuts, shopping the Dillon's junk room, and cooking. He loved learning, "fixing things," and helping people. He liked to keep up with the latest health trends (but usually defaulted to advice from an ancient book of his dads from the 1800s). He loved Spirulina, and he wanted everyone else to love it, too.

Jerry didn't have a judgmental bone in his body, and his patience never ran out. He was so kind and loving and would drop everything for a friend in need. To Jerry, everyone was a friend. His faith community was very important to him and he loved and served the Lord with the kind of faith and devotion that comes only from new birth through the Holy Spirit. He shared the gospel through his beautiful songs and his melodious voice, and through his actions as well. Jerry was the first to show up and the last to leave in so many situations. He was a quiet servant, humbly stepping in to be the hands and feet of Jesus, never expecting or accepting praise or prize. He was a good man and he will be missed so very much by those who knew him and were touched by his love, his music, and his kindness. Micah 6:8 tells us to act justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. It is plain to see that Jerry did all three.

"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." Matthew 25:21

Jerry is survived by his brother, Jeff Wilson, his children: Jessica (Russell) Baker, Sariah Wilson, Nathan Wilson (Stephanie Thrush), and Emily (Jonathan) Craig, and his grandchildren: Boston, Trip, Brek, Gibby, Rubi, Owen, Kecher, Basil, Taytum, and Aiden. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Dale Wilson, his brother-in-law, Roger (Linda) Call, and bandmates Harold Beal (rhythm guitar) and Linsey Cutsinger (drums).

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Wilson, his parents, Artie and Leona Wilson, sisters, Lenora Ann Templin and Linda June Cummins and daughter-in-law, Haley Wilson.  He was preceded in death by bandmates Wade Williams (bass guitar), Rick Maddox (keyboard), Jim Cox (bass guitar), David Ellis (lead vocals), and Amboo Ploy (harmonica and vocals ) .

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Jerry's name to a scholarship fund his children have set up that will be awarded to an El Dorado High School student who will be attending Butler Community College Fine Arts Program.

Please make checks payable to: "Butler Community College Foundation" with "Jerry Wilson Scholarship Fund" in the memo.

Checks may be mailed to: Butler Foundation, 901 S. Haverhill Rd, El Dorado, KS, 67042