Jerry Kashwer

Jerry Kashwer, a longtime resident of Chandler, Oklahoma, was born on August 10, 1930, in Gerty, Oklahoma. He departed this earthly life on October 10, 2023, in Stroud, Oklahoma at the age of 93 years.

Jerry was the son of Sam Kashwer and Oma Hollingsworth. He was raised in Gerty, Oklahoma. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably during the Korean War. Following his discharge, Jerry attended East Central University where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He then attended the University of Oklahoma earning a School Administrative Certificate. He married Mary Vivian (Downard) Kashwer on May 22, 1955, and together they raised two sons, Jason and Josh.

Jerry was a coach, teacher, and school administrator for 37 years. After first serving as Superintendent for the Prague Public Schools, the family moved to Chandler, Oklahoma in 1976 when Jerry became the Superintendent of the Chandler Public Schools. After retiring in the early 1990’s, he went to work for National American Insurance Company as a marketing representative for Oklahoma schools.

Jerry was a member of the Chandler First United Methodist Church, a Red Rock Mental Health board member, and an active member of the Chandler Lions Club. Jerry loved to read, play golf, and drink coffee with many of the coffee groups around Chandler. In 1984, while serving as the Chandler Lions Club President, he began to line Manvel Avenue each holiday with the American Flag. This was a tradition he continued for nearly 40 years.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Mary Vivian Kashwer. He is survived by his brother, Keith Kashwer, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; son, Josh Kashwer, of Chandler, Oklahoma; son, Jason (and Charree) Kashwer, of Bakersfield, California; four grandsons, Jared (and Sarah), Jackson (and Abbey), Cole and Grayson; and two great grandsons, Joel and Jonah. Jerry is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Visitation and viewing will be at Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler, Oklahoma on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from Noon to 8:00 pm and on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from Noon to 8:00 pm. The family will be present to receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, October 16, 2023, at the Chandler First Baptist Church. Rev. Jim Jones will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at the Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler, Oklahoma.

In remembrance of Jerry, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Chandler Public Schools or the Chandler Lions Club.