Jerry Dean Thompson, 86, passed away Monday, September 30, 2019 in Savannah, MO.

Born in a farm house at Fulton, Kansas on February, 28, 1933 to William and Mary Howard Thompson.  He grew up in Fort Scott, Kansas where he graduated from High School in 1951.

On June 3, 1956 he married Millicent Schultz Thompson at Pawnee Rock, Kansas.  They celebrated 63 years together, she survives at their home.  Other survivors include Randall D. Thompson (Christine) of St Louis MO, Dewey W. Thompson of Columbia, MO and Jeffery D. Thompson (Kristie) of Lone Tree, IA  Grandchildren include Greer, Madelyn, Bryce, Grant and Kyle.

Jerry was a member of the Savannah United Methodist Church, serving on various committees, a 20 year member of the choir and a participant in Tuesday afternoon bible studies.  A proud member of the K-State Alumni Association.  He was also a member of various livestock and Extension organizations.

Jerry obtained his B.S. in Agriculture Education from Kansas State University in January 1956.  After serving in the Army he earned his Masters degree in Animal Nutrition from the University of Idaho, Moscow in 1960.

Thompson was involved in co-operative extension service in Kansas and Missouri for 44 years. He was a 4-H agent in 1956.  From 1960-1966 he was a County Agent in Cherokee County, Kansas.  He moved to become an Area Livestock Extension agent for the University of Missouri serving numerous counties in Northwest Missouri. This was a new program for Extension in Missouri, and he was a leader in his field.

Through the 1970's he was instrumental in building the first producer owned swine test station in Missouri.  He also started Missouri's first area performance tested bull sale.  He established a central test that measured production and carcass value of commercial swine producers.  He also introduced the use of san-o-probe in pregnancy testing and measuring back fat of bulls coming off farm feed tests.  He was instrumental in planning the annual 4-state Beef Conference with Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. He was proud of bringing education to area livestock producers.

He enjoyed serving as superintendent of the beef show at the American Royal and put on the livestock judging contests.  He was heavily involved in all aspects of 4-H livestock including judging shows and leading youth in top livestock judging teams sending 3 teams each to the national livestock and horse judging contests.

Upon retiring in 2000 his joy was raising pure bred Simental cattle.  He got to practice all the education that he learned and taught over the years.

Family visitation and receiving hours will be Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at United Methodist Church in Savannah, MO. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Friday, October 4, 2019 at United Methodist Church, Savannah, MO. Memorials may be given to the Andrew County Extension and the Savannah United Methodist Church music department.  Breit-Hawkins Funeral Home Savannah is in charge of local arrangements.