Dodge City- Jerry Milford Rumbaugh, 84, passed away with family by his side on January 28, 2025, at Manor of the Plains in Dodge City, KS. After enduring a long battle with Alzheimer's and Dementia, Jerry was finally able to rest in the arms of his Savior and remember fondly all the days that had been made hazy.

Born to Edith (Roach) and Milford Rumbaugh of Agra, KS on May 9, 1940, Jerry was known as a kind and determined young man. He attended Agra Public Schools, followed by Brown Mackie College. On June 3, 1962, he married his lifetime love, Joyce (Maley) Rumbaugh and they began building their family, including three children, Jeffrey, Jason and Jennifer while living in Meade, KS. Those three kids were the pride and joy of Jerry's life for many years. He served in the Army Reserves from January of 1963 through March of 1968. Jerry was the head administrator for CMS in Meade, KS for 20 years and then for the DS&O in Solomon, KS, retiring in 1997.

Although kept busy with his job, Jerry also enjoyed woodworking and carving, model trains, traveling, and camping. His three grandchildren, Tanner, Lauren and Blake, joined the family and quickly brought new joy to his life. In 1996, Jerry suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury due to a fall. He recovered to an extent further than what most expected and continued to enjoy life tothe fullest.

Jerry had many passions in life, but none bigger than being around his family. No matter the occasion, or the travel time required to get there, he and Joyce were there for all occasions in any family member's life. Those he loved never had to wonder, because he was there to show them how special they were to him. Not only was he the best Brother, Husband, Dad and Grandpa, he was the textbook definition of a good man. He was strong, loyal, kind, smart, funny, protective, compassionate, and an excellent example of how to love Jesus and your neighbor. He was often referred to as an optimist; always seeing the positive in whatever situation he was given. And in his own inconspicuous way, he was continually lifting people up and challenging those around him to be better or try harder in all things.

The last few years have been hard for us all to watch Jerry slowly slip away and become less and less like himself. But we know it was even harder for him to not remember or not know. Regardless, he never lost that smile that lit up the room when he saw family. He may not have remembered all our names, but we know that deep down he knew exactly who we were. Jerry

would put on that big grin and simply say "I'm just glad to see these kids and get to be around them." He will live on in the best parts of each of us and will still be there for every moment, watching from the best seat.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joyce Rumbaugh of Dodge City, KS; son, Jeff (Lisa) Rumbaugh of Dodge City, KS; daughter, Jennifer Rumbaugh of Manhattan, KS; three grandchildren, Tanner (Samantha) Rumbaugh of Dodge City, KS, Lauren (Spencer) Bromm of Craig, NE, and Blake Rumbaugh of Dodge City, KS and step-grandson Vinnie (Erin) Lyman of Salina, KS; three great-grandchildren, Emery and Cayson Rumbaugh of Dodge City, KS and step-great-grandson Jack Buschman of Perryton, TX; sisters Pat (Richard) Kessler of Glendale, AZ, and Sandi (Jim) Winchell of Almena, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Rumbaugh; son, Jason Rumbaugh; and granddaughter-in-law Rachel Rumbaugh

Memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Saturday February 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Berniece Ludlum presiding.  A family burial will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer's Association in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.