Jerry Pat Wade Womack
Funeral services for Jerry Pat Wade Womack, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2026, at the First Christian Church. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Services are under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Womack passed away peacefully at his family home on December 16, 2025.
Jerry was born on May 8, 1941, in Howell County, Missouri, to Evy Newton Womack and Lottie Emeline (Hopkins) Womack. He was united in marriage to Janet Marie Smith on January 15, 1959, in West Plains, Missouri, and together they shared a lifetime of love, family, and community involvement.
Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an Airman Second Class from 1959 to 1963. He spent one year of that time in isolation service at Thule, Greenland. Following his military service, from 1963 to 1965, he worked briefly at Jim’s Clothing before beginning what would become a remarkable lifelong career in journalism. In 1965, Jerry was hired by the West Plains Daily Quill, where he dedicated 49 years of service. He began as a news reporter, later becoming a well-respected sports editor, covering countless local sporting events and athletes. In 1986, he was named Managing Editor, a position he held until his retirement in 2014. His commitment to local journalism and storytelling left a lasting impact on the community. In 2010, Jerry co-authored the book History of West Plains 1930–1970 with Tony Aid.
Jerry was deeply involved in his community. He served as a Boy Scout leader, coached numerous youth football, baseball, and basketball teams, and was a member of the West Plains Jaycee’s, where he helped start the mighty mite football program, Industrial Development Board, West Plains Booster Club, and MSU/WP Grizzly Booster Club. He also served as Howell County Red Cross Chairman, certifying many lifeguards over the years. Jerry played on the West Plains Jays softball team for many years and operated local fireworks stands, J&J fireworks with his good friend John Gilliam, for 17 years. An avid outdoorsman, Jerry enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, camping, and grilling for his family. He especially loved spending time outdoors watching the deer and making memories with those he loved most.
Jerry was a devoted member of First Christian Church of West Plains, where he was baptized in 1954. He faithfully served the church as a Superintendent and Deacon, living out his faith through service and dedication.
He is survived by his loving wife, Janet Womack of West Plains; his children, Frankie Ann Harrill-Jones and husband, David, Jerry Scott Womack and wife, Anita and Angela Marie Holloway and friend, Jason all of West Plains, Missouri; his grandchildren, including Melana Ann Harrill, Jason Harrill, Sam Womack, Jerry Jacob Womack and Levi Holloway; several step-grandchildren, including Jeremiah Jones and Mendy Hufstedler; Jerry was also blessed with several great-grandchildren, Mason Wade Harrill, Jaley Ann Harrill, Lottie Harrill; and several other great-grandchildren; his brothers-in-law, Dale Smith and wife, Carolyn and Danny Smith and wife, Alice, all of West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Evy Newton Womack and Lottie Emeline (Hopkins) Womack; his brothers, Hervel Womack, Charles Haskell Womack, Wayman Womack and Ermel Womack; his brother-in-law, David Smith; his daughter-in-law, Carrie Womack; and his parents-in-law, Frank and Lottie Smith.
Jerry’s legacy of service, faith, family devotion, and love for his community will be remembered by all who knew him.
Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church or any charity of choice, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.