Gerald Dean Manchester, 86, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Jefferson City Manor Care Center, with his family by his side. He was born in Mankato, Kansas on April 9, 1936; a son to the late Lynn and Nettie (Lyon) Manchester. On August 28, 1959, he was united in marriage to Janise Kay Hudson in Newton, Kansas.

Gerald was a 1954 graduate of Salina High School in Salina, Kansas. He continued his education at Kansas State University where he graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering in 1959. He began his career in 1959 with the Missouri Highway Department where he worked until his retirement in 1998. When he retired, he achieved the title of Assistant Director of the Materials Division for the department. Overall, he dedicated nearly 40 years of service to the State of Missouri.

Gerald and his wife, Janise, moved to Jefferson City in 1971 and became very active in the community. Together, they worked with the Boy Scouts of America on the District Committee for 40 years. Gerald served as Scout Master for 6 of those years. They also served as docents for the Louis and Clark Memorial at the State Capitol, and were involved in the Louis and Clark Bicentennial event. He was most recently a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Along with his heart of service, Gerald enjoyed and appreciated gardening and woodworking. He was even known to be a jokester at times. Gerald made a long-lasting, positive impact on the world around him, and he will be immensely missed by those who know and love him.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janise; son, Will (Michelle) Manchester; daughter, Laura (Ted) Lobbertecht; sister, Carol (Jim) VanderYatch; and grandchildren, Courtney Lobberecht, T.C. Lobberecht, Elliott Manchester, and Eli Dusk. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Nettie.

Friends will be received on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at a later date. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Boy Scouts of America – Great Rivers Council or Hospice Compassus.

Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.