Obituary of Jerry Dean Taffner

Jerry Dean Taffner passed away on Tuesday September 19, 2023, at the age of 78. He was born in Lamar, MO on August 25, 1945, to Fern (Walker) and Carl Taffner from rural Jasper. He attended Dorris Valley Country School for grades 1-8 and attended Lamar High School, graduating in 1963. He worked for Leroy and Margaret Swartz on their chicken farm. After high school, he worked for Frank Horton Engineering; later Finley Engineering Co., retiring in 2009. He enjoyed several summers with uncles and cousins in Colorado. Jerry loved quail and deer hunting, and farming. He met Karen Hensley, at church, and she became his wife on December 20, 1973. A few years later, Angie became her Daddy's pride and joy. Jerry always took his family to church and served as a deacon. Going for a “spin” around the county, with Angie, usually ended with a stop for ice cream. He loved spending time with his grandkids Megan and Dalton. He is survived by his wife, Karen of the home; daughter Angie Taffner of Lamar, MO and fiancé Lorne Brown of Nevada, MO; grandchildren Dalton Schlichting, Megan Schlichting and her fiancé PJ Junker of Lamar, MO; and one sister Peggy Jo (Joe) Gilkey of Nevada, MO. He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law: Carolyn Mae Taffner of Lamar, MO, Linda (Roy) Owen of Lamar, MO, Roger (Vicki) Hensley of Nevada, MO, Susan Cheshire of Springfield, MO, and Pam (Jesse) Medlin of Lamar, MO. and by several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Lester Taffner. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Thursday September 21, 2023 at Konantz Warden Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday September 22, 2023, at Konantz Warden Funeral Home.