Jerry Lee Humble, 90, of Keosauqua
Jerry Lee Humble, 90, of Keosauqua, IA passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at the Keosauqua Health Care Center in Keosauqua, IA. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua with Larry Shipley officiating. Burial will be held in the Fellows Cemetery immediately following the service. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Jerry’s honor will be used to support the Van Buren County Ambulance and the Van Buren County Public Health. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Jerry Lee Humble was born on August 4, 1934, in Ottumwa, IA to Clyde and Warda Morrow Humble. Jerry’s journey began as a young boy in Bettendorf, IA, where he had many fond memories. Jerry’s father purchased a turkey farm in rural Keosauqua and moved the family to Van Buren County. From that point forward, turkey was never Jerry’s favorite food. He attended country school in rural Cantril before finishing his schooling in Keosauqua. His adventurous spirit took hold in high school when he decided to travel to Texas with a friend to experience life as a cowboy. It was during this period that he met and worked alongside notable figures such as Buster and Charlie Welch. Despite the allure of the cowboy lifestyle, Jerry’s heart remained in Iowa, prompting him to return home to Keosauqua.
Jerry entered the United States Navy and while serving, he wed the love of his life, Doris VanWeelden, on July 31, 1954, during a furlough. After being honorably discharged in San Diego, Jerry briefly worked there before the call of home led him back to the familiar fields of his family’s farm. There, he farmed with his father and brother, as well as taking care of his own row crop and livestock operation.
Jerry spent a brief time away from the farm, returning to California where he worked as a tile setter with his best friend from Cantril, Dee Dillon. However, following the loss of his brother, he returned home to help his father.
A man of many passions, Jerry loved animals, especially dogs, and he was often found reflecting on the unique bond between a farmer and his faithful companions. His enthusiasm extended beyond the farm, which his love for golfing, a hobby that was highlighted by achieving a hole-in-one. Jerry was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and St. Louis Cardinals fan, always managing to catch the game whenever he could. Above all Jerry cared deeply for his family and he will be deeply missed.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Doris, and two brothers, Allan and Art Humble.
Left to honor his memory are his children, Monte (Kathleen) Humble of Birmingham, IA, Doug Humble of Keosauqua, IA and Jenean Humble of Smithfield, IL; eleven grandchildren, Adam (Erin) Humble, Emily (Brent) Willett, Dylan Humble, Averi Humble, Jacob (Morgan) Miller, Aaron (Kendall) Miller, Hannah (Jacob) Hildenbrand, Elizabeth Miller (Cordell), Xavier Miller, Victoria Miller, and Allyssa Miller; as well as 12 great grandchildren, many special nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.