Gerald Ray Holland, age 75, died peacefully at home, on September 29^th, surround by his family.  He was born August 25, 1947 in Boonville, MO, to Kenneth A. Holland Sr. and Ella Mae (Malloy) Holland.  He was raised on the family farm in Nelson, MO with siblings Larry (Judy) Holland, Kenny (Bobbie Kay) A. Holland, Jr., Barbara (Don) Buchanan, Laverne “Punkie” (Howard) Nichols, and Gladys “Nicie” (Bruce) Douglas.

Gerald graduated from Nelson High School in 1965.  At the age of 17 years, he enlisted in the United States Airforce, where he served as a Sargent.  His service took him to Texas, the Philippines, Japan and Wright Patterson Air Force Base.  It was there Gerald met the love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” Schneder.  They were married in Fairborn, Ohio on October 19, 1968.  In January 1969, Gerald moved his family to his home state of Missouri.  Gerald has lived the last 22 years of his life in Grain Valley, MO.  Becky and Gerald spent 54 years together raising their family; son, Kenneth L. Holland of Grain Valley and daughter, Jeannie Holland of Oak Grove.

Gerald was a Food Inspector with the Dept. of Agriculture.  He retired from this profession after many years of service, with his last assignment being in Kansas City, MO. When not working Gerald loved hunting, fixing cars, taking care of the lawn and spending time with his family.  He found great joy in the simple things in life, was steadfast in his faith, and cared deeply for those he loved.  Whether he was called Gerald, Jerry, Shorty, Hatchet, Doc, Uncle Gerald, Dad or Pa, he was always listening; “pondering” as he would say.  He greeted everyone with a gentle smile and kind heart.  His steady calm, simple words of wisdom, and constant strength will be missed by many.  Gerald personified 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8: Love is patient, love is kind… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Becky Holland; son, Ken (Dawn Marie) Holland; daughter, Jeannie Holland; grandchildren; Samantha Clark, Michael Williams, Katie Williams, Kellen (Gina) Holland, McKenna (Leslie) Holland, Quinlan Holland, Cole Dennis and Noah Dennis.  Also, his great-grandchildren, Reagan Clark, Johnny Clark and Amara Lunn.  He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Buchanan and brother, Kenneth A. Holland, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

A visitation will be held at Royer Funeral Home, 100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, Missouri, Monday, October 3, 2022 from 5-7:00 p.m.  Funeral Services celebrating Gerald’s life will be held at Timothy Lutheran Church, 425 RD Mize Rd, Blue Springs, Missouri, on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.  A burial service at Royer Funeral Home will immediately follow.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Timothy Lutheran School Scholarship Fund ~  301 E Wyatt Road, Blue Springs, Missouri, 64014, (816)-228-5300.

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