Jerry Elton Waltrip's Obituary
Jerry Elton Waltrip, 89 of Pittsburg, KS died Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Mercy Hospital Pittsburg.
He was born to Flora Ellen Krider Waltrip and Charles Keyth Waltrip February 28, 1936 in Arkansas City, KS.
He completed schooling in Ark City and graduated Ark City Community College. He continued college work at University of OK, Norman. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps after serving 6 years.
In 1958 he married Patricia Jane Albright of New Orleans LA. She survives the home.
He began a radio and television broadcast career in Ark City. He later was heard on stations in Shenandoah, IA, Colby, KS, Topeka, KS, and several in Pittsburg, KS. He also worked for Santa Fe Railway while in college, later Bottenfield Beauty Supply, and substitute teacher in Pittsburg and Girard.
He was active in high school theatre, Colby little Theatre, Topeka Civic Theatre and Dale Easton Players of Topeka.
He served as 1st president of Colby, KS Kiwanis Club, former member of Pittsburg Rotary. He served as board member of SEK Symphony, Stillwell Board, Member and President of Pittsburg Library Board, Member and Chairman of Pittsburg Human Relations Commission and a Member of Parks and Recreation Board.
He Served as Inter Tribal Council Economic Director in Miami, OK. His Indian name was Iskagua, Cherokee for Clear Sky. He served as a member of 1st Methodist Church, Administrative Board and Member of Crusaders Class. He also served on the YMCA Board, and 11th district Juvenile Justice Board. He was a member of Pittsburg and Colby, KS Masonic Lodges, and Scottish Ride and Royal Arch Masons.
He was Past President of Mirza Shrine Directors Staff and Crawford County Shrine Club.
He served several terms on Mirza Divan as Director and Treasurer, a Member of Legion of Honor, Uniform Units, and Order of Quetzalcoatl. He served Governors Docking, Bennett, Carlin, Sebelius, Parkinson, and Brownback on the Arts Advisory Council, Board of Cosmetology and Automobile Advisory Board.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son Michael Wayne Waltrip, brother Bill Waltrip and a sister: Ruth McColm.
He is survived by wife Patricia, Sons: Mark, Gareth, and Aaron Waltrip, Daughter Ruth Waltrip. Other survivors include Brothers: Paul of Dallas TX, Ken, Jim and Mike of Pittsburg, KS.
A Celebration of Life will be held August 4, 2025. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be made to St. Louis Shrine Hospital; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Cremation services by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762.
On Monday August 4th Family and Friends of the Late Jerry Waltrip will meet at the American Legion Post 64 Pittsburg at 12 Noon to Escort his Remains to Ft Scott National Cemetery for his Interment. We will leave at 12:20 pm.
The American Legion Riders will Escort everyone to Ft Scott. After the Service we will meet at the Shrine Temple at 110 West 5th at 5:30 pm.
There will be food and his friends are in courage to speak and tell favorite stories.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerry?
Share a story where Jerry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerry you’ll never forget.
How did Jerry make you smile?
