Jerry Don Folvarcik 48, born in Clinton, OK but raised in Durant, and a resident of Richmond, unfortunately succumbed to his battle with PTSD on Thursday, November 25, 2021. Jerry was born on November 28, 1972, the son of Mike and Erline (Brown) Folvarcik. Jerry married Tamara Herdman of Durant, OK on April 24, 1993, she survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: two sons, Trey Folvarcik (Rosemarie) of Excelsior Springs and Devon Folvarcik of the home; daughter, LaShaya Folvarcik of Harrisonville, father, Mike Folvarcik; brother-in-law, Todd Herdman (Abby) of Richmond; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, aunt and grandparents.

Affectionately known by those who knew and loved him as Jer Bear and Grandpa Jerry, he had a heart to help others. Jerry had a work ethic like no other. He split his adult life between driving a semi-truck and working as a first responder. 

Jerry loved his family, and he was proud of his children.  He always enjoyed an opportunity to share their stories with others. He touched the lives of so many young people in Richmond through his coaching of little league sports when his children were young. He also enjoyed all of the hours spent at the go kart racetracks with Devon and all of the racing family he had gained throughout the years. 

Jerry proudly served the City of Richmond, first as a 911 Dispatcher in 2003, then as a police officer in 2006. He was promoted to sergeant during his tenure, and he was a supervisor who was highly respected by many. In 2019, when his battle with PTSD surfaced, he made a tough decision to leave a career that gave him the most purpose in life.

Upon leaving law enforcement he returned to another love, semi driving.  He had worked for Dynamic Transit in Illinois driving over the road for about a year. Locally he hauled fuel for Star Transport first. He later worked for Sierra Transport.  At the time of his passing, he had been employed for a short time with Maher Oil Company in Kansas City, Mo.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond with visitation to begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Jerry Folvarcik memorial fund. They may be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street – P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO, 64085. Please visit www.thurmanfuneralhome.com to share your memories of Jerry with the family.