August 14, 1955 — September 29, 2024
Mapleton, Kansas
Jerry Lynn Waddell, age 69, of Mapleton, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 29, 2024. He was born on August 14, 1955, in Iola, Kansas, the son of George Shaw Waddell and Leota Mae Adams Waddell. Jerry grew up in Kincaid, attending Kincaid Grade School for 1st through 8th grade and graduating from Crest High School in Colony, Kansas, in 1973.
His passion for mechanics led him to further his education at Salina Technical School, where he completed a two-year program in Auto and Diesel Mechanics. Jerry’s career spanned decades in the automotive and diesel repair industry. He worked for several diesel mechanic companies and later realized his dream of owning and operating his own mechanic shops. His expertise and dedication made him a trusted figure in his community and among those who worked with him.
Outside of work, Jerry enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He loved spending time outdoors and often with a cold beer in hand, enjoying the company of friends and family.
In keeping with his wishes, Jerry will not have a formal funeral service. Instead, he requested that his ashes be spread on the family farm — a place that held deep meaning for him –surrounded by the land and memories he cherished. He as well wished to have remaining ashes buried along side of his brothers in Kincaid Cemetery.
Jerry is survived by his daughter, Mae Lynn DuPree, her husband, Jeffrey DuPree, and his grandson, Daray Khendreck Smith. He also leaves behind his sister, Kathy Waddell of Walnut, Kansas, and his brother, David Waddell of Ottawa, Kansas. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Walt, Larry, Dale, Danny, and Terry Waddell. His family takes comfort in knowing Jerry’s spirit will remain in the fields and the sky of the farm he loved so dearly.
(Published in the Linn County Journal on October 4, 2024.)
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