Gerald Lee Grow, 79, of Atlanta, passed away on August 11, 2022, surrounded by family.

Gerald was born to Roscoe M. and Goldie P. (Black) Grow on November 20, 1942, in El Dorado, KS. Growing up, he attended Latham Schools and graduated high school in 1960. As a young man, he worked on the farm for Clayton Smith of Atlanta and in the oilfield. In 1964, Gerald joined the National Guard Unit based in Winfield, KS. On March 7, 1965, Gerald was united in marriage to Jackie Lee Becker, daughter of Verne and Elsie Becker of Leon, KS. During the early years, Gerald worked at the Atlanta Coop and was the Atlanta Fire Chief and he and Jackie welcomed a son in 1966. In December 1968, his Guard Unit was called to active duty in Vietnam, where he served as a Staff Sergeant of the 1st BN 137th Infantry Division of The Big Red One. Gerald was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star as a result of his heroic conduct in combat. Upon his return home, while Gerald and Jackie welcomed two daughters, Gerald and his brother, Roger operated Grow Brother's Garage in Atlanta and he also maintained the roads of Harvey Township. In 1976, Gerald began his lifelong devotion to farming and ranching on Timber Creek Farm. Gerald's greatest joys were his family, fishing, deer camp, wood working, raising poultry and coon hunting.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Jim, Gayle, and Roger; his sisters, Dora, Bonnie, and Geneva.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jackie, of the home; his brother Don (Jan) Grow; his sister-in-law Katherine Grow; his son, Brian (Jeannie) Grow; daughters, Sheila (Lance) Handlin; Amanda (Jason) Griffith; Grandchildren, Jake (Kelly) Grow; Kelly (Janie) Grow; Clayton (Chelsea) Grow; Jandi (Garrett) Harding; Lindsay (Nathan) Miller; Levi Handlin; Dustin Handlin; Judd Griffith; Lucas Griffith; and Haddie Griffith; along with 10 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022, at 10:00 A.M., at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at the Latham Cemetery. A visitation is scheduled at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 to 6 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 2 to 4 that afternoon.

A Memorial in Gerald's honor has been established with the Atlanta Fire Dept. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Funeral services may be viewed live by clicking the following link: