Jerry Ray Gunnell

July 5, 1960 - September 16, 2021

Jerry Ray Gunnell, 61, of Bussey, Iowa, and formerly of Downing, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at Mercy One Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born on July 5, 1960, the son of Paul and Doris “Darlene” (Baker) Gunnell in Kirksville, Missouri. He attended high school in Memphis, Missouri and graduated with the Class of 1978. On June 6, 1980, he was united in marriage to Susan Moore in Lancaster, Missouri. To this union a son, Tanner, was born. Jerry had several different jobs over the years. He worked in road construction as well as running and managing an asphalt plant for many years. Jerry drove semi-truck for Orscheln’s and lastly, he was a diesel mechanic for O.C. Trucking in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He enjoyed going on family vacations to the Caribbean, camping, boating and going on cruises. Later in life he was eager to pursue hunting. Jerry always talked about during retirement, he would raise meat goats. His real joy in life was spending time with his family and he had a special love for his grandson, Beckett. Jerry is survived by his wife, Susan Gunnell of Bussey, Iowa; his son, Tanner Gunnell of West Des Moines, Iowa; his grandson, Beckett Gunnell; his mother, Doris “Darlene” Gunnell of Edina, Missouri; two brothers, Robert (Debra) Gunnell of Stover, Missouri and Bill (Kelle) Gunnell of Downing, Missouri and his nephews, Jason Gunnell, Joe Gunnell and Shane Gunnell. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Gunnell; a sister, Teresa Gunnell and his maternal and paternal grandparents. . A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 20, 2021, at 3:00 p.m in the Bates Funeral Chapel with pastor Molly Goodrich officiating. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 20, in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Jerry’s family present to greet family and friends. The family requests all that are attending to please wear a mask. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Jerry Gunnell Memorial Fund.