Colonel (Retired) Jerry Joe Kean

Colonel (Retired) Jerry Joe Kean, United States Air Force, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the age of 90.

The Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6, at First Baptist Church of Waco with Rev William Love officiating. Interment will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery.

Jerry was born and raised in Karnak, Illinois, where he developed his love of hunting and fishing. He attended Karnak High School, and upon graduation from Southern Illinois University, Jerry was commissioned into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. As a young officer, Jerry was stationed at Lufkin Air Force Station, where he met and married Marilyn Sue Nisbet in June of 1960. His military career took them to various parts of the world, including New Mexico, Japan, California, Washington, D.C., and Alabama. He also served a tour in Vietnam. In his last assignment, he served as the Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies for the Air Force ROTC at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. After retiring from the Air Force, Jerry became the Director of Public Works for the City of Temple, Texas, until his retirement in 2000.

Throughout his career, Jerry continued his education, receiving his Master of Business Administration and Doctorate in Education, both from Auburn University. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Waco, where he served as a deacon, a Sunday school teacher, and a member of several church committees. In addition to these activities, he was involved in his community in various ways. He especially enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts of America and Meals on Wheels.

Jerry was a man of incredible faith, and his legacy of kindness, love, and generosity was evident to all who knew him. Even with all his achievements, Jerry was most proud of the unique talents and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. His greatest joy was being with them.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Sadie Kean; his brother, Tom Kean; and his sister, Bonnie Kean Ward.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Marilyn; his sons, Steve Kean of Tyler, Texas, and Richard Kean and wife, Kelly, of Montgomery, Alabama; and his daughter, Robyn Kean Hargett, and husband, Leslie, of San Antonio, Texas. Other survivors include his two granddaughters, Elizabeth Kean Groark and husband, Chris, and Sarah Kean Griffin and husband, Marshall; his two grandsons, Wesley Hargett and wife, Sophia, and Hunter Hargett and wife, Aynslee; and his great-granddaughter, Sarah Grace Groark. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Robert Nisbet and wife, Jill; his sister-in-law, Brenda Kean; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

For those desiring, the family suggests that memorials be given to the Salvation Army, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, First Baptist Church of Waco, or any veteran organization of choice.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Jerry in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.