GREAT BEND — Jerry R. Tillery, 80, died March 23 at Hospice House, Hutchinson.  Born Nov. 20, 1933 at Turon,  he was the son of Roy and Sylvia (Lamont) Tillery.
He married Lana Long at Ellinwood.  They later divorced.  He was retired Director of Public Lands for the City of Great Bend for 30 years, retiring in 1993.
Mr. Tillery was a long-time Great Bend resident.  He enjoyed tending livestock, served on the Kansas Highway Patrol, was an avid horse trainer and farrier and enjoyed participating in rodeos.  He was a United States Army veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict.
Survivors include a son, James Tillery, Great Bend; two daughters, Gina Tatum, Anthem, Ariz.; and Kayla Tillery, Newton; a brother, John Tillery, Horseshoe Bend, Ark.; two sisters, Ruth Bacon, Council Grove, and Lona McIver, Topeka; and four grandchildren: Beau Sprague, Brooke Robinson, Tony Tillery, and Noah Tillery.  
He was preceded in death by a sister, Delna Thiessen.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 28 at Bryant Funeral Home with the Rev. Dick Ogle officiating.  There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to First Street Church of God, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
    
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, Ks. 67530
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, March 25, 2014