Obituary
Gerald Wayne “Jerry” Furnell, age 72, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on May 17, 2025. He was born on January 17, 1953, at Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia, Missouri, to Doyle D. Furnell and Norma J. (Shelledy) Furnell, who preceded him in death. Jerry graduated from Smith-Cotton High School, where he met the love of his life, Cherlyn Marie (Ballard). The two were married on January 22, 1971, and shared over 54 wonderful years together. He earned his undergraduate degree from Webster University and later received his law degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Jerry worked as Vice President at Furnell Construction before pursuing a lifelong legal career. As a dedicated solo law practitioner in Lee’s Summit for over 30 years, he served his clients and community with integrity and compassion. In addition to his private practice, Jerry proudly served as a municipal judge for the past three years. Jerry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife Cheryl and their four children: Stephanie Sharp (Dudley), Jason Furnell (Margene), Brandon Furnell (Ashley), and Meghann Tracy (Daniel). He also leaves behind 13 cherished grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, who were his greatest joy. Jerry is also survived by his two younger brothers, Mark Furnell of Nashville, Tennessee and David Furnell of Sedalia, Missouri. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jerry was committed to a life of service. At age 25, he served alongside his father in the bishopric of the Sedalia Ward. He later served as bishop of the Longwood Florida Ward. Upon their return to Missouri Jerry served as a counselor in the Kansas City Stake presidency, and most recently as a member of the high council. Jerry will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his faith, his tireless service to others, and the deep love he had for his family. His wisdom, kindness, and quiet strength touched the lives of many. We couldn’t have asked for a better husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed every day.
Condolences
Services
Lee's Summit, MO 64063
Mere words cannot express what your family must be going through during this time. Jerry was such a wonderful colleague and friend and will be truly missed. Our heart filled sympathy goes out to your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss Cheryl. My prayers are with you and your family.
My heart goes out to you. Morning walks will not be the same, he will be greatly missed.
Jerry was a talented attorney and a genuinely good person . . . I will miss working with him. Prayers for your family during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss. Gerry was a great friend to all who knew him in the legal community. Gerry & I loved to talk about vacations, cruises, and his family. Love and strength to all who loved Gerry.
I have known Jerry approximately 30 years. Jerry was always a pleasure to work with. He was fair, efficient, and consistently well-prepared. Jerry always went out of his way to say “Hello” to me whenever he saw me. He was a great guy, and I will miss working with him, talking to him, and comparing notes on clients, colleagues, and our separate lives. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.
Cheryl,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Much love to you and your family during this difficult time.
Jerry was one of a kind. A class act and an amazing human being. I will never forget how excited he was every time he got to see me when picking up discovery. He will be greatly missed.
We were so lucky to work with Jerry in Grandview. His loss will be profoundly felt for a long time. He was everything you want an attorney to be- smart, quick-thinking and compassionate. He was a joy to be around.
I’m so sorry for his family- as wonderful if a co-worker as he was, I’m sure he was an even better husband, father and grandfather.
Jerry was one of the most beloved attorneys in our area. He was not only a great lawyer, prosecutor, and judge, but a wonderfully kind man. He was considerate, funny, and empathetic. Jerry will be so incredibly missed. My sympathies to Cheryl and the kids. It is so hard to believe he is gone but his memory will not soon be forgotten.
Losing Jerry is truly heartbreaking. He was one of a kind, and it was a genuine honor to work for him. His presence, warmth, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He deeply loved his family—his wife, children, and grandchildren—and spoke of them often, with immense pride and joy. My heart goes out to his family and to all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Jerry was a good man and a friend. He will be sorely missed in the legal community. We worked together for years and he was always capable and dependable. A true loss.
Words can’t describe the great loss to the legal community. Have known him for decades as a friend and counselor he was the epitome of a gentleman and scholar. My condolences to his family.
Jerry was the nicest of people, always friendly and a pleasure to interact with. He never put down others.
Without overtly speaking of it, he was a true ambassador for his faith. My condolences to his family and friends. /s/ Bob Murphy
I am so sorry to hear of Jerry‘s passing. He was a wonderful man and always willing to help. Sending all my love to Cheryl and family. He loved you all so much.
I am so very sorry Cheryl. My heart aches for you. My deepest condolences to you and the rest of the family.
This is a tribute to a wonderful man who knew how to show love to everyone. He knew how to help everyone he delt with, with kindness & knowledge of his profession. He will be greatly missed by many. He was a great leader in his church as well as his profession & his community. We love ❤️ you Furnell Family.
Jerry was a rare person that one doesn’t meet that often. As an attorney he was able, amiable, empathetic and of high integrity. As a friend he was kind, loyal, humorous, always welcoming and helpful. My guess is that he had practiced the difficult human art of self examination and found a wealth of humility that made the whole person.
A really good and decent friend. I will miss him.
Jerry was a true gentleman and will be dearly missed in the legal community! Prayers to his family. PJ
Im truly very sorry for the loss of &Jerry in your lives at this time. Yet the gospel of Christ gives so much hope and enlightenment. He is now wirh family who have already passed and in the precedence of our Lord. Jerry was always so very kind and always had a moment to say hi and give a hug. I’ll miss him. MAY heavily Father pouches comfort out on your home.
Sorry Cheryl to hear about Jerry. I will keep you and the family in my prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was one of the most genuine and kind people I have ever met, and always a complete gentleman to work with. Prayers for your entire family and all who will miss his place here on Earth.
Jerry was our attorney, helping us with various legal matters over the years; however, he was not our attorney; he was a valued friend who always made time to listen and help. He will be missed immensely. Our deepest sympathy to Cheryl and their family.
He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with Cheryl and the family. Sincerely, Wayne and Erica Oatman
May the Lord bless and hold the family within the arms of his unending love.
We are so very sorry for you and for the pain you all are going through. I have always admired your family and his leadership.
Evelyn and I met Jerry and Cheryl in 1995 when we attended our new Ward for the first time. Jerry invited us to dinner that evening and we became lifelong friends. I will miss you Jerry and know you are in the care of our Lord and busy as ever. Until we meet again. Farewell my trusted friend. I’m remembering when you helped me when I got myself in a legal conundrum with two realtors in Missouri. Thank you for your steady friendship.
Words cannot express the pain I feel as gerald is one the greatest men and lawyers I’ve ever known. My family and I give our upmost condolences and will be there to show our respects at his service.
The City of Grandview is deeply saddened by the passing of our dedicated City Prosecutor, Jerry Furnell. For many years, Jerry served our community with unwavering commitment, integrity, and a strong sense of justice.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Jerry’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. We share in your grief and offer our sincere condolences. His service to the City of Grandview will not be forgotten.
So sorry to know of your loss. Please accept my condolences. He will be missed. I’m Daniel Tracys grandmother, in New York. .
We are so sorry for your families loss, our prayers are with you. May you all celebrate his life and rejoice in his legacy.
I knew Jerry for 30 years. I enjoyed working with him at the city prosecutor’s office for much of that time. You would never find a better man than Jerry. A most respected man in our community. He set the bar very high as to what a husband, father and professional man should be. I will miss our conversations, his wit and humor.
I am sadden to hear of your loss. He was such a wonderful person. I very much enjoyed working with him at the Kansas City, Missouri Municipal Court. He was always such a good listener and so respectful. He will be missed. May Perpetual Light shine upon him and may your memories bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
My prayers to his family. Jerry was a very good friend for almost 2 decades. I would call him and ask for his advice all the time. A very good friend that will be deeply missed. Jerry I’m grateful I got to know you and I appreciate your friendship. Rest well my friend.
He was a great man. with a big heart, he will be missed by many. Words can’t express my sadness.
My sincere condolences to all. I just learned of his passing. Jerry was my friend and attorney for over 25 years. I can’t believe that he’s gone. He was a rare gem and definitely set the bar on integrity and empathy in a human being. Jerry, I will miss you and our friendship greatly. RIP GOAT