Jerry Francis Steelman, 84, passed away Sunday, March 28, 2021. He was born in Springfield, MO on Wednesday, August 19, 1936 to John and Dorothy Steelman.

Jerry was a toddler when his family moved to the Steelman farm in Buffalo, MO where he lived until he was 18. Later, he and his wife of 47 years, Peggy Steelman, ran a transportation company and managed the Steelman farm. Together, he and Peggy enjoyed winters on their yacht, the "Peggy Jean" in Florida and the Bahamas. Jerry loved being in nature, either fishing on the water, golfing, or flying in his airplane. Jerry was a Master Mason of United No. 5, a Scottish Rite 32nd-degree Mason, a Noble of the Mystic Shrine of the Abou Ben Adhem Temple, and a member of the Elks Lodge #409 for over 50 years.

Jerry is preceded in death by his wife Peggy Steelman, his parents John and Dorothy Steelman, and his daughter Kari Steelman.

He is survived by his daughters, Deanna Rhoades (husband Tom), Penny Childress (husband Larry), and Cynthia Bylander, and son Robert Hawkins (wife Kim), eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at 10 am on Friday, April 2, 2021 at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte, 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave, Springfield, MO 65804. Graveside services to follow at 11 am. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital.

Online condolences can be made at www.klingnerfuneral.com