Jerry Maxwell Salyer age 87 of Grain Valley, MO passed away March 5, 2024 at his home he shared with his lovely and devoted wife Mattie P. Salyer of more than 65 years. 

Jerry’s story began when he was born June 4, 1936 in Lexington, MO to Homer Thomas Salyer and Flossie Cordilia (Cordie) Paris-Salyer.  He attended school in Lexington, Mo.  After school he joined the US Navy at the age of 17 in 1954.  He served in boot camp at San Diego, CA.  Once boot camp was completed, he spent the next 2 1\2 years working multiple jobs at the Naval base in Pensacola, FL. From there he boarded the Destroyer USS Stormes traveling the world alongside numerous Air Craft Carriers to ensure their safety.  He was discharged from the Navy in 1957. 

After his naval career was completed in 1957he came back to Lexington, MO and found a job working for Leeds General Motors where he worked as a painter and also served as the Union representative for the many employees.  He retired from General Motors in 1987 after 30 years.

His courtship with Mattie P. Spaw had begun in 1955 while on leave from the Navy.  He met Mattie at a Christmas Eve Dance. As he stated “it was love at first site”. On March 22, 1958 they were married and moved to Wellington, MO where they lived for most of their 65 years.   During their marriage they were blessed with two beautiful sons, Dale Wayne Salyer and Allen Lee Salyer.  Jerry was not only a hard-working husband and father he also served as the Boy Scout leader to his sons throughout their youth.  Other than being a great husband and father, he had a passion for fishing which was his favorite past time and shared with his sons and grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his wife Mattie Pearl Spaw-Salyer; 2 sons: Dale Wayne Salyer (Krista), Allen Lee Salyer (Sheila); 1 brother: Jack P. Salyer (Nancy);1 sister: Barbara D. Salyer-Gillilan; 5 grandchildren: John C. Riling (Shellie), Shawna R. Scrivner-Jackson (Jared), Madison L. Salyer-Gregorio (Ben), Jessica R. Salyer, Anna M. Salyer; 6 great-grandchildren: Caleb C. Riling, Cadyn L. Riling, Colton A. Riling, Charlie E. Jackson, Lucas A. Gregorio, Allen J. Gregorio; 3 great-great grandchildren: Beckett A. Riling, Ramona F. Riling, Ivy P. Riling.

He was proceeded in death by his parents: Homer Thomas Salyer and Flossie Cordelia (Cordie) Paris; brothers: Stewart P, Salyer, T.D. Salyer, Homer T. (HT) Salyer, Billy R. Salyer, Sydney E. (budgie) Salyer; sisters: Vivian A. Salyer-Harrison, Doris E. Salyer-James, Lois F. Salyer-Sigloch, Betty M. Salyer-Warner; grandson: Andrew Bradley Salyer; great grandson: Paul Alexander Jackson.

Funeral services will be held March 18, 2024 11:00 am at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. In lieu of flowers, Contributions can be made to: American Lung Association and City Union Mission or a charity of donor’s choice.

Obituary submitted by family.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441