Jerry Armstrong went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 at his home in Mountain Grove at the age of 76. He was born September 24, 1944 in Eagleville to Orville and Eva Armstrong. Jerry graduated from Eagleville High School. He went on to attend Texas Western College, in El Paso, Texas, where earned a bachelor degree in education. Jerry was Co-Captain of the 1966 NCAA National Champion Texas Western Miners. He is a member of the Naismith National Basketball Hall of Fame, the National College Basketball Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. A Disney movie about the team entitled “Glory Road” was released in 2006. Jerry completed 30 years of service as a high school teacher, coach and administrator. In later years, he enjoyed going to schools to share his story and talk about character, teamwork and sportsmanship. On March 6, 1965, Jerry married Mary Ruth Carter. They were happily married for 55 years. Jerry enjoyed playing golf, fishing, hunting and spending time with his family. He especially loved supporting his children and grandchildren.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Wallace, Bill, Rex and Jim. Jerry leaves behind his wife, Mary; two sons, Kevin (Deb) and Brad (Michelle); grandchildren, Ryne (Haley), Kelsey (Austin) Moore, Blayne (Leah) and Kyler (Brooklyn); and great-grandchildren, Blaire, Paxton and Silas. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Jerry Armstrong Memorial Scholarship Fund at Mansfield High School, 316 W. Ohio Street, Mansfield, Mo. 65704. No services are planned due to COVID-19. Arrangements are under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove, Mo. www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
