Jerry Lee Handley of Eureka, traded in his hero cape for his guardian angel wings on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 82. He was born February 22, 1941, in Eureka, the son of Glenn Copple and Denzell Elizabeth (Gray) Handley. He was raised in Eureka and attended local schools, graduating from Eureka High School with the Class of 1959. Following graduation, he attended Kansas University where he earned his degree in Pharmacy. He began his pharmacy career at City Drug Store in Eureka in 1965, which he later purchased and ran until he sold the store and went to work at Greenwood County Hospital as Director of Pharmacy. He later opened Eureka Pharmacy which he ran until he sold the business to Dick Roberts. Jerry continued to fill in part-time at the pharmacy until June 30, 2023.
On November 22, 1962, Jerry was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Brown. Together they raised their three children in Eureka where they made their home. In his spare time Jerry loved to golf, travel, and spend time with his kids and grandkids. He was an avid KU fan and loved attending the games with Dr. Mike McClintick.
He was a member of the Eureka First United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge Fidelity 108, and the Midian Shrine.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home; three children: Mark and wife, Kim Handley; Brad and wife, Rise Handley; and Kathryn Handley all of Kansas City; two grandchildren: Elise and Jeret Handley both of Lawrence, Kansas; three brothers-inlaw: Terry Brown of Emporia; Barry and wife, Margie Brown of Amarillo, TX; and Stephen Brown and Cinda Beals of Eureka; two nephews; four nieces; and eleven great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Tonya Brown.
Per Jerry’s wishes, his body has been donated to science. Cremation will be effected, with services to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church of Eureka or to Shriners Hospital for Children. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online, at koupfunerals.com.
