RUSSELL — Gerald E. "Jerry" Boomhower, 76, of rural Russell, died Dec. 27 at the Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. Jerry was born April 21, 1934, in Hoisington, the son of Glenn and Florence (Goodheart) Boomhower. He grew up on the family farm in south Russell County and graduated from Hoisington High School in 1951. On May 25, 1957, he was united in marriage to Virginia Tauscher in Hoisington. This union was blessed with three children, Kip, Denise and Lisa. Jerry and Virginia made their home in Russell County.

A farmer and stockman, he started the Boomhower Quarter Horse Ranch. Jerry’s life revolved around the farm and his family.

Mr. Boomhower served his country in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959 in the states. He was a member of the Bunker Hill Masonic Lodge, the past president of the Kansas Quarter Horse Association, past president of the Kansas Paint Horse Association and past president of the American Paint Horse Association.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Virginia of the home; son Kip Boomhower and wife Kathy of Russell; daughters, Denise VanDegrift and husband Tom of Luray, and Lisa Moubry and companion Brian Hamel of Bunker Hill; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Valerie Boomhower.

Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell with burial following at Cross Plains Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m. A memorial has been established as the Jerry Boomhower 4-H Scholarship Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may also be sent via e-mail at www.pvpmortuary.com.