Jerry Lee Suddarth

Gerald "Jerry" Lee Suddarth, age 78, of O'Fallon, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 in O'Fallon, Missouri. He was born in St. Charles, Missouri on October 29, 1943 to Robert and Helen Suddarth (nee Burkamp). He was united in marriage to Linda Caulfield on November 3, 2004. A previous marriage to Suzanne Damron Suddarth resulted in two children, Bradley and Julie. Jerry was a 1961 graduate of Elsberry High School, and proudly served our country during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Marine Corp. He received his Bachelor's Degree from University of Missouri – Columbia and earned his Juris Doctor at Memphis State University. Jerry was an attorney in O'Fallon for the entirety of his law career. Beginning in 1988, he practiced at Suddarth & Koor alongside his partner and friend, Andrew Koor.

Jerry was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He spent many years traveling to Spring Training with his extended family. He counted down the weeks and days through the winter and was truly in his element at the ballpark. One of his favorite Cardinals memories was attending Game Six of the 2011 World Series with his son. He proudly wore his custom-made t-shirt ("Game Six. I Was There.") around St. Louis and to Spring Training for many years. In fact, he wore the first t-shirt so many times that a second t-shirt was ordered several years later so he could continue sporting it! He was always happy to tell his "Game Six" story and re-live the moments. As anyone who ever met Jerry knows, he never met a stranger. Jerry also enjoyed cooking and grocery shopping. He was a frequent customer at Schnucks, Dierbergs and Mannino's, and knew nearly all of the workers by name. He also enjoyed a good glass of wine and a cold Budweiser, preferably while listening to the Cardinals and working on his flowers and plants around the pool in the backyard. Over the years, Jerry turned his backyard into a massive outdoor oasis that hosted many fish fries and BBQs! Above all else, Jerry took great pride in being a grandfather and especially relished the nickname bestowed upon him by his grandkids… Papa Cool. He loved nothing more than being Papa Cool to his four grandkids.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Linda, as well as his former wife, Suzanne; Son, Bradley (Catherine) Suddarth of Houston, TX; Daughter, Julie (Greg) Walters of Troy, OH; four grandchildren, Anna and Bobby Suddarth (residing in Houston, TX) and James Bradley (J.B.) and Kate Walters (residing in Troy, OH); Four Sisters-In-Law, Joan Suddarth, Joan (Al) Foster, Anna Caulfield, Susan (John David - JD) Fay; Two Step-Sisters, Mollie Wells, Sherry (Dale) Berry; and a host of other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Robert Suddarth; Mother, Helen Jackson; Stepfather, Robert Jackson; Stepmother, Marilyn Suddarth; Brother, Robert Suddarth; and half-sister, Sandra Powell. He was also preceded in death by good friend, Eric Hanne.

A celebration of life for Jerry will be held on Saturday, October 29th beginning at 5pm at one of his favorite haunts in O'Fallon… Ethyl's Smokehouse and Saloon (8505 Veterans Memorial Parkway, O'Fallon, MO)! Please join us on what would have been Jerry's 79th birthday to raise a cold, frosty Budweiser and share a story or memory! While Jerry did love flowers, plants and trees, in lieu of any of those things, please consider making a donation in his name click the link Cardinals Care Foundation.

To share a memory of Jerry or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.