Gerald Raymer

Gerald Edwin Raymer “Jerry” died peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the age of 81 with family by his side. Jerry was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on November 26, 1943, and was the oldest son of James Martin and Dorothy Martin (Tanner) of Owensboro, Kentucky.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Martin, his beloved son Tim Raymer, and his dear sister Doris Dunlap.

He leaves behind his dearest daughter-in-law, Jennipher Alvernia, his most beloved grandsons, Zachary Raymer and Jaxson Raymer of O’Fallon, Missouri, granddaughter Ashton Wood, and great-grandson Easton Wood also of O’Fallon, and daughter Kim Barham of Riverton, Wyoming.

Also left to mourn his passing are; three brothers, Jim Martin (Carolyn) of Florissant, Missouri, Ken Martin (Debbie) of Bunker Hill, Illinois, Darryl Kirtley of Louisville, Kentucky and one sister Sandi Parsons (John) of St. Peters, Missouri; 2 loving Aunts Mary Helen Caldwell of Denton, Texas, and Irene Tanner of Millstadt, Illinois; 6 nieces and their families; 11 nephews and their families; former wife and special friend Nancy Tourjie; his wonderful neighbor Fran Sneed; many cousins; countless golf buddies; work friends; and a multitude of great neighbors.

Jerry was always a hard worker: as a young boy he put together a shoe shine kit and shined mens’ shoes; he worked a newspaper route on his bicycle, at age 12, earning a train trip to Chicago as part of the "Eighteen Little Merchants’ carrier boys of the Globe-Democrat in 1956; and along with his brother Jim he collected soda bottles to turn in for the 5 cent deposit money. As an adult, Jerry began his lifelong career in car sales, winning Top Salesman many times over at the various dealerships in St. Louis. Jerry never knew a stranger and excelled at creating lasting relationships with clients who became repeat customers because they liked and trusted him. Jerry gained a wonderful work family and lifelong golfing buddies. He worked hard and he played hard, often arriving at the golf course with his friends as they waited in the cart for the sun to come up.

Jerry loved family more than anything but also had a deep love for his constant companions, his dogs Louie and then Shorty and his cat Boo. They, too, were at his side when God called him home. Throughout his illnesses, Jerry faced each challenge with determination and humor. He never complained and always had a heart full of gratitude for anyone who did the smallest thing to help him. He had words of thanks and a smile for anyone he encountered.

A private Celebration of Life for Jerry will be held on June 8th … where else? … a golf course.

In Jerry’s memory, we encourage family and friends to donate to a local animal shelter of your choice. Each gift will bring guaranteed smiles from Jerry!

❤ Jerry’s pacemaker was donated to the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center’s Cardiology Department in Columbia, Missouri. I know Jerry is smiling down from Heaven, knowing that his pacemaker will go to help save someone’s loving canine pet and give them a better quality of life.