Gerald Lee "Jerry" Gaulden, 55, of Richmond, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Jerry was born on September 12, 1969, in Independence, the son of Gerald Dean and Georgia Lee (Reichling) Gaulden.  He was united in marriage to Beverly Jean Walls of Richmond on July 1, 2000; she preceded him in death on September 17, 2022.

Survivors include: son, Gerald Gaulden, Jr. of Gladstone; four daughters: Christina (Todd) Brison of Versailles, Rebecah Desselle of New Port Richey, FL, Maranda (Tony) O'Dell of Higginsville, and Ashley Hancock of Blue Springs; 13 grandchildren: Alex (Miranda) Stuart, Alexis (Scott) Stuart, Tyler Brison, Jacob (Tabitha) Taber, Damien (Rachel) Loyd, Jaedon Willard, Klaira Miller, Killian Miller, Kiley Gaulden, Lincoln Gaulden, Adalynn Coggins, Mercedes Coggins, and Caden Coggins; four great-grandchildren: Braxton Creeden, Alex Loyd, Carter Taber, Aliyah Coggins, and one on-the-way; brother, Bert Mace of Richmond; five sisters, Gail Watson of Orrick, Susie Earl of Gladstone, Beth True of Gladstone, Lori Mace of Northmoor, and Crystal Mace of Clarksville, TN; also numerous stepbrothers also survive.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Iva Elliott.

Jerry was raised and educated in Richmond, graduating from Richmond High School in 1987. A talented and respected heavy machinery mechanic, Jerry dedicated his life to working with machinery and engines, a gift he was widely known for. His exceptional ability to diagnose issues just by listening to a motor earned him the admiration of many. Jerry was always ready to lend a hand, often helping family and friends with car repairs and sharing his mechanical genius with anyone in need. He worked for Larry Brown Excavating in Liberty and Waller Trucking Company in Henrietta, leaving a legacy of hard work and skill.

Known for his generous spirit, Jerry would give the shirt off his back to help someone. He was also a practical joker who loved making people laugh with his playful tricks, such as reminding folks to "change their blinker fluid." He enjoyed spending time at the lake, fishing, sharing Bud Lights, and hosting fish fries with his family, creating cherished memories that will be treasured by those who loved him.  The light of his life was his family, and his light will continue to shine through them.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Children's Mercy Hospital.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085. Please remember to share your memories of Jerry with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.