Gerald "Jerry" Blakley, age 75, of Purdy, Missouri, passed away at his home on Monday, December 27, 2021.  Mr. Blakley, son of Howard and Mildred (Yarnall) Blakley, was born on August 4, 1946, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Subsequent to graduating high school, Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country proudly for two years.  On July 2, 2003, he was united in marriage to Sue Woodruff in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  Jerry owned and operated C & L Custom Cabinets in Purdy, making cabinets and several lasting friendships.  He never met a stranger and enjoyed talking to anyone who would listen.  Jerry was very proud of his children and grandchildren and was always very interested in their accomplishments and what was going on in their lives. Some of his favorite pastimes include woodworking, watching the Game Show Network especially Wheel of Fortune, and spending time with his dog, Sprinkles.  Jerry was a member of the Purdy Lions Club.

Survivors include his loving wife, Sue Blakley, of Purdy; his children, Steve Blakley and his wife Staci, of Rolla, Donna Root and her husband Jamie, of Bolivar, Melissa Brattin and her husband Jeff, and Heather VanNote and her husband J.R., all of Purdy, and Jeremy Rupp and his wife Jessie, of Monett; fifteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Barbara Maddox, of Dayton, Nevada.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at the White Funeral Home and Crematory.

A private burial will be held at a later date at Maplewood Cemetery in Exeter.

Service and cremation arrangements are under the direction of White Funeral Home and Crematory, Cassville, Missouri.