Jerry Bernard Teeter, 89

Born July 24, 1931 in Sacramento, Calif., Jerry was the middle of 10 children born to Leo and Ethel Teeter.

Jerry was in the military in Japan at the end of the Korean War from 1951-53. He attended electrical college in California. Jerry followed his father in the meat industry — first as truck delivery man, then as a meat cutter in the Sacramento area. He also worked as meat cutter and a house painter throughout California and Washington.

He had a great concern for the suffering in the world, which led to his accepting the Bible's answer to this lifelong question of his. His meat cutter's boss, Floyd Morris answered his question; this led to his baptism as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on June 10, 1973, which prompted him to serve as a full-time volunteer minister. He wanted everyone to know his Bible's answer to the world's suffering. He served full time for over 35 years.

Joining him was his wife, Mary Ann Richard, who he married on Feb. 16, 1974. They were married 47 years. Supporting his wife and him, he owned a cleaning-maintenance business in Eureka from 1974 to 1988, and one in Weippe, Idaho, from 1993 to 2005. Upon retiring, he moved to his wife's hometown of Ronan, residing there since 2005.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Ann, at the family home; daughters Jenell (husband Ron Orchard of Puyallup, Wash.) and Jerri Lynn Teeter of Canyonville, Ore. Also included in survivors are five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. His brother Wayne and wife Coral also survive, as well as many nieces and nephews. A virtual service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday. Contact 676-3164 for the link.