Gerald Lawrence McBrayer
Gerald Lawrence McBrayer, age 69, was born on Jan. 23, 1948, in Hamilton and passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at his home in Kingston. His parents are Lawrence McBrayer of Hamilton and Geraldine Henry of Cameron.
Gerald was a life-long Hamilton and Kingston resident. Upon graduation from Penney High School in 1966, he joined the Air National Guard Unit in St. Joseph. Gerald served in the Supply Unit of the Air Guard from 1966 until 1972.
Gerald worked for Armour in Kansas City for two years, and in 1970, he married his childhood sweetheart, Rhonda Carter. They made their home on a farm in Polo until 1976, when the move was made to Kingston.
In 1971 Gerald began working for Shaw Construction as the MCI Airport was being developed and built. An accident with an earthmover resulted in a layoff to recover from the injuries. In 1976 until 1995 he remained in heavy construction with Clarkson. Additionally, the entire family was involved in “Mac’s Butcher Shop” from 1980-2005, processing deer, beef and pork for numerous satisfied and repeat customers in a facility they built on their property.
After construction and self-employment, Gerald entered the political arena and was elected Western District Commissioner of Caldwell County in 2000. Due to his professionalism and performance as an elected official, he was re-elected for several terms and remained in this position working weekly until his death. His work ethic mirrored James 1:19, “Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” In 2012 Gerald was diagnosed with colon cancer and fought bravely for five years. Always positive, his family with him as stated in 1 Corinthians 12:26, “If one member suffers, all of the other members suffer with it.”
Gerald enjoyed his farm, livestock, gardening, his family both at home and at work, plus numerous camping trips with past friends, Dick and Barbara Lund. Gerald was also involved with the 4-H Council and Green Hills.
Gerald was a member of the Hamilton United Methodist Church and served on the church building committee. While not attending early in life, he credits wife, Rhonda, for helping the “lost sheep” find and accept Jesus as his Savior. Ephesians 2:8, “You have been saved thru faith.”
Gerald is survived by wife, Rhonda (Carter) McBrayer of Kingston; son, Dr. Scott McBrayer of Grand Junction, CO; daughter, Crystal Schaeffer of Kingston; grandkids, Kyrsten McBrayer of Grand Junction, CO, and Peyton Henderson and Blake Schaeffer of Kingston; father, Lawrence McBrayer of Hamilton; mother, Geraldine Henry of Cameron; brothers, Mack (Maggie) McBrayer of Cameron and Terry (Lisa) McBrayer of Cotter, AR; sisters, Betty June (Jay) Adams of St. Joseph and Susie (Bob) Lund of Hamilton; plus many nieces, nephews, cousins, step-sisters, step-mother, (Frances McBrayer), and other relatives.
Cremation has been entrusted to Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 8, at 11:00 a.m., at the Hamilton United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 7, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the Hamilton United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be at the Kingston Cemetery, in Kingston. Memorials may be made in Gerald’s name to the Hamilton United Methodist Church, the Caldwell County Foundation Cancer Assistance Fund, or the Kingston Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Bram Funeral Home in Hamilton. www.bramfuneralservices.com
(paid obituary)
