Jerome L. Libbert, 88, Barnett, formerly of Meta, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital in Columbia surrounded by his loving family.
He was born March 3, 1935, to the late Theodore and Elizabeth (Bax) Libbert in Meta.
He was united in marriage to Arlene Louise Brenneke May 31, 1958, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth.
Jerome served his country in the U. S. Navy on the U.S.S. Bradford (DD-545) as radarman and postmaster from March 11, 1958, until his honorable discharge Feb.15, 1962. After his military service, he was employed with General Dynamics in Kansas working on missile silos and then later worked for Xerox for over 30 years until retiring.
Jerome’s love was working with cattle and farming his entire life everywhere he lived including, West Paducah, Ky., Boone County, Meta and Barnett.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather to his family who were his most cherished loves in his life.
At a young age Jerome obtained the nickname “Thunder” while his brother, Lawrence, received the alias, “Lightning”. He had a charismatic wit and was an infamous storyteller who loved telling jokes and puns.
Jerome grew up during a time when nothing went to waste, so he became a jack of all trades taking great pride in repairing anything he could get his hands on.
He was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta.
Jerome was preceded in death by parents, Theodore and Elizabeth; brothers, Ralph and Arthur Libbert; infant brother, Edward Libbert; and sisters, Hilda Wieberg, Matilda “Tillie” Schwartze and Mary Ann Wieberg.
He is survived by loving wife, Arlene; children, Michelle Tufts and husband Scott of Fulshear, Texas, Ronald Libbert of Rocky Mount, Daniel Libbert and wife Karen of Ashland and Lisa Luechtefeld and husband Roger of O’Fallon; grandchildren, Suzie Woods, Laura Meyer, Jessica Phillips, Michael Tufts, Jackie Schneider, Jenna Martin, Kaylee Parr and Kyla and Braden Luechtefeld; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Lawrence Libbert of Cottleville; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., (today) Wednesday, Sept. 13, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 14, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church with Fr. Leonard Mukiibi officiating. Interment with military honors will be held in St. Cecilia Cemetery in Meta.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mid-Missouri Fisher House, Honor Flight or the Gary Sinise Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.
