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 (Ashley), 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.
Debbie Craig
December 18, 2025 @ 4:04 pm
Janet, you and your family are in my prayers!
Karen Harbison
December 18, 2025 @ 4:33 pm
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for all.
Paul Knight
December 18, 2025 @ 4:49 pm
I hated to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was quite the guy for sure. Fine man, fine family, and lots of great friends. He will be missed by all who knew him. Be sure to remember the Womack family in your prayers.
Sharom Gaston
December 18, 2025 @ 8:15 pm
Janet and kids, I have so many fun memories of camping, float trips, and sports activities. Your family has always been special to me. Jerry and you showed what love, marriage, and family dedication is all about. God give you peace in this loss, knowing your love with Jerry will be shown through the family. Bless you, Sharon (McGreer) Gaston
Melinda (Burgess) King
December 18, 2025 @ 10:30 pm
So sorry to hear this news. What a legacy Jerry leaves behind.
Teresa Eldringhoff Romans
December 19, 2025 @ 9:48 am
Family, my sincere condolences to you all.
Anna Brauer
December 22, 2025 @ 12:41 pm
Janet im sorry to hear about your loss I have experienced this same loss2 years ago
Richard Mustion
December 22, 2025 @ 11:24 pm
Praise God for who he places in our lives. I remember little league baseball practice on the playground at Reese … Jerry giving his time and caring enough to make us better behaved citizens with each practice. We learned some things about baseball as well. Well done Jerry, Janet and family.
Amber Redburn
December 23, 2025 @ 8:39 am
Janet and Womack Families,
We extend our Deepest Sympathy to each of you on the passing of Jerry. Jerry always had smile and friendly conversation with everyone he met on a daily basis. Wonderful memories of him writing stories about Zizzer Sports and sports in our Community and surrounding area with all his dedicated years at the West Plains Daily Quill. He was a joy to be around and visit with too. He will be missed! Daily may God provide each of you with comfort, peace, encouragement, and strength. We will be keeping all of you in our daily prayers and thoughts. May God bless each one of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris & Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber, and Corby Redburn
Sharon Essary
December 23, 2025 @ 12:04 pm
Jerry was a great person who had a big job keeping everything flowing at the West Plains Daily Quill. A lot of responsibilities. I don’t know how many years I worked under him. We were one big family. He will be greatly missed. Sincerest sympathy to all his family. Prayers, Sharon Essary
Jay R Padgett
December 24, 2025 @ 1:01 pm
I first met Jerry when were freshmen playing B team football on a fall Saturday morning and the Zizzers came to play the Mountain View Pirates as they were then known. We renewed our acquaintance when we moved to WP after my time in the Army. We became life long friends beginning with our time in the Jaycees. I was never with Jerry when we didn’t have a good time. He enjoyed kidding and being kidded. We served on several civic boards over our life times and I always appreciated his good judgement and input in those meetings. I valued his friendship and will certainly miss him. Blessings to all of you in his family.
John A. Tandy
December 29, 2025 @ 5:57 pm
Jerry was a wonderful man, and a very good friend of mine. We sent many years working together at the Daily Quill newspaper. He was liked by all who met him.
He was a very friendly man who wrote wonderful news and feature articles and loved his wonderful family.
He was one of the most knowledgeable sports enthusiasts and writers that I have ever known. I think he would rather do coaching, or write about teams than eat!
My whole family will miss him dearly!
Brenda Pirnack
December 29, 2025 @ 9:01 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you . May your precious memories sustain and give you peace !
Craig Jordan
January 2, 2026 @ 1:32 pm
So sorry for your loss had plan on coming to the funeral and give my respect to Jerry I will surly miss him and the fun we all had at Joyce Auto Sales getting together for a fun card game on Saturday morning nothing but good times unfortunately im home battling the flu but my thoughts are with you all today he was a Great Friend
Stephen and Betty Coats
January 3, 2026 @ 7:26 pm
Janet and family we are sorry for your loss. Jerry was a good person and had many friends. We always enjoyed sharing our garden vegetables with him. He will be missed.