Jeffrey Gene Berger

A life well lived.  A man well loved.

Jeffrey Gene Berger, 72, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 27, 2024, with his family by his side.   A loving husband, father and grandfather, Jeff was a man of faith with a big heart, always willing to serve his family, church and community.

He was born on June 6, 1951, in Webster Groves, Missouri, to Fred and Betty (Graubner) Berger.  He graduated from Webster Groves High School in 1969, and entered Drury University later that year, joining Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.  After a year, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and later returned to Drury to complete a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1974.   He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserves in 1976.   After holding several sales and sales management positions throughout the Midwest, Jeff joined Certified Metals in Springfield, Missouri, in 1982, where he enjoyed a long and successful career, retiring as Vice President of Sales in 2014.

Jeff met the love of his life, Debbie Farrar, and they married in 1988.  In 1994, they were blessed with their daughter, Sarah Elizabeth.  Always a devoted husband and father, Jeff was overjoyed to become a grandfather with the arrival of Emma Grace Woodward in 2018.  She was the light of his life and brought him countless joy.

Jeff was a long-time member of First & Calvary Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and Deacon. He taught and mentored high school youth groups and other Sunday School classes. He also served on its Mission Committee, and was deeply moved by his mission trip to build a church in Managua, Brazil.  Jeff was also active in several Christ Care groups at First & Calvary over the years, where he and Debbie built strong bonds and many treasured friendships.

With his generous and giving spirit, Jeff enjoyed serving others. He was a dedicated volunteer at The Well of Life and served as Board president.  He was active for many years in Rotary Club of Southeast Springfield and was a Paul Harris Fellow.  He took time to be a Reading Buddy through Springfield Public Schools.

Jeff had a multitude of interests and passions.  He enjoyed many travels with Debbie, and later with Sarah as well.  Among his favorite places were Hawaii, the Caribbean, Napa Valley, New England, Northern Michigan and the South Carolina coast.  To Debbie's delight, Jeff excelled in gourmet cooking. He loved entertaining and, with Debbie, hosted many memorable family events. The highlight each year was their family Christmas Eve gathering.

Jeff was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and he and Debbie made a point of visiting many Major League Baseball stadiums around the country.  Jeff loved Drury basketball and was an early and strong supporter of the Lady Panthers when the team was formed in 2000.  He, Debbie and Sarah traveled to many of their games around the country and enjoyed hosting the team in their home.

With his gift of reaching out and caring about others, friendships were very important to Jeff.  He maintained close ties with his fraternity brothers over the years and always looked forward to their annual float trips and other events.  He forged valued relationships through several men's breakfast clubs beginning in 1982.  An avid golfer, he took many trips with his golf buddies.

Jeff always loved antiquing and in retirement he enjoyed refinishing and refurbishing furniture and other items.  Even in this endeavor, he continued building new friendships and connections, which just reaffirms that Jeff never met a stranger.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his wife Debbie, his daughter Sarah (Zak) Woodward and granddaughter, Emma Grace.  He is also survived by his brother Ron (Susan) Berger.  Other survivors include his sisters-in-law, Beverly (Brent) Jackson and Terri (Bill) McNeill; his brothers-in-law, Kent (Babette) Farrar and Jim (Elaine) Farrar; his nephews Dave (Courtney) Roberts, Matt McNeill, Thomas Farrar and Ethan Farrar; and nieces Shannon Love (Austin) Garrett, and Halle Farrar; as well as great nieces and nephews Norah, Giavanna, and Nathanael.

A visitation for family and friends will take place on Sunday, June 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home at 1947 E. Seminole in Springfield, MO.  A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 3, in the Brentwood Chapel at Gorman-Scharpf.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jeff's name to Well of Life in Springfield, Missouri or to the charity of the donor's choice.

A man who so fully embraced life is now firmly in God's embrace.