Gerald Linn Van Ness, son of Joseph S. and Verna Mae (Brazeal) Van Ness was born October 28th, 1943, in Mansfield, Missouri.  He departed this life on October 27th, 2023, peacefully in his home at the age of 79 years, 11 months, 29 days.

Gerald met the love of his life, Beverly Gray, in 1961.  They married on September 7th, 1962.  Shortly after they moved to Kansas City, Kansas where they welcomed their two daughters Denise and Shellee.

While living in Kansas City, he enjoyed participating in all kinds of sports including water skiing, baseball, and bowling.  One of his favorite past times was attending Kansas City Chiefs games for which he had always been an avid fan.

After living in Kansas City for 12 years, Gerald and Beverly, whom he lovingly referred to as "Red", moved back to the area and set up their home in Rogersville, Missouri.  It was at that time he renewed his love of horses and attending trail rides, which he enjoyed for the next 40+ years creating lifelong friendships with people from all over the United States.

In 2001, Gerald retired from Associated Wholesale Grocers after 27 years as a Diesel Mechanic. His retirement years allowed him to enjoy what brought him the most happiness, his granddaughters and all their pursuits ranging from orchestra, sports, college endeavors, weddings and more.  There was nothing that brought him more joy than his family.

Gerald had a wonderful sense of humor, was generous in many ways and had a huge heart for people. He never missed a chance to share the love of God with others. His heart's desire was for others to experience this unconditional love that had so deeply touched his own life. He loved driving the church bus and working with the youth group.  The church family was a constant source of support and friendship for Gerald and Bev.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bobby Joe, Joe Ray, Jack, Jerry, Curtis, and Darrell, sister Leah Mae Lee, sisters-in-law Catherine Van Ness and Janie Gray, brothers-in-law Roger Moore and Connie Lee.

Gerald is survived by wife Beverly, daughters Denise (Tom) McPhail, and Shellee Mavis, granddaughters Abbee (Patrick) Posten, Anna Mavis, Grace (Colby) Durst, and Avery Mavis, great-granddaughter Ru Posten, brother Larry (Jan) Van Ness, sisters-in-law Sharon Moore and Mickey Van Ness and brother-in-law Daryl Gray (Cherie), numerous nieces, nephews, family, friends, and neighbors.

A special thank you to Phoenix Hospice for their loving care and compassion.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 4th, 2023, at 1:00pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, Missouri.  Visitation will be Friday, November 3rd, 2023, from 6:00-8:00pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.