Jacob Sperry Obituary

Jacob Bryan Sperry, 95, of Pittsburg, KS, passed away at 8:04 a.m., Wednesday, May 12, 2021.

He was born September 14, 1925, at Osawatomie, KS, the son of Peter Everett and Lulu Olleva (Fink) Sperry.

Mr. Sperry entered into the United States Army in December of 1943. He served in the 75th Infantry Division (Europe) during World War II, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and was Honorably Discharged in February of 1946.

On July 30, 1950, he was united in marriage to Reita Mlle Hinkel at Concordia, KS. She preceded him in death on December 12, 2004.

Mr. Sperry was an Associate Professor (mathematics) for 32 years at Pittsburg State University before his retirement in 1995. He taught for a total of 45 years, 11 in high school and 34 in college. He was also a football and track coach for many years and longtime sponsor of FCA at PSU impacting generations.

Membership was held in the First Church of the Nazarene, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and on the Draft Board for Southeast Kansas for 20 years.

Mr. Sperry is survived by three daughters, Mlee Sperry of Webb City, MO, Kipra Odaffer of Webb City, MO, and Janel Smith (Mike) of Webb City, MO, three sons, Jay Sperry (Vickie) of Palm Bay, FL, Kevin Sperry (Donna) of Palm Bay, FL, and Kyle Sperry (Hilary) of Rose Valley, PA, 16 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister, one daughter-in-law, Sherilyn Sperry, one son-in-law, Steve Odaffer and one grandson, Tyler Odaffer.

A service for Mr. Sperry is set for 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 17, 2021, at the First Church of the Nazarene with Reverend Jim Sukraw officiating. The service will be live streamed at www.brennermortuary.com through Mr. Sperry's obituary page. Burial will take place at 12:30 p.m., following the service at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., Sunday, at the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg. The family suggests memorials to the Pittsburg State FCA and/or Christ in Youth, Joplin, MO. Memorials may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.