Jerry PadenLittle River, KS

Jerry Paden passed peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Sandstone Heights Nursing Home in Little River, Kansas. Jerry was born December 13, 1938, in Bellefonte, Arkansas, to John William and Linda Margaret (Suiter) Paden. Jerry attended Holyrood High School for two years and then attended two years and graduated from Lucas High School in 1956. He received his bachelor’s degree from Peru State University in Nebraska in 1960. In 1963, he received his master’s degree from Kansas State Teacher College (now ESU).

 Jerry married Glenda “Kaye” Mason on August 20, 1961, and they shared 63 years of marriage. He has been a resident of Little River the past 6 years. Jerry was an educator, serving public schools for over 44 years. His career began in Smith Center, teaching and coaching junior high; he was then elementary principal in Macksville before teaching and coaching at Sterling High School. He served as the K-2/5-8 principal in LaCrosse, where he also started the girls’ summer softball program. Jerry then returned to Macksville as high school principal. After thirteen years in the St. John-Hudson district as principal of the Hudson attendance center, he returned to finish his administrative career where he started it, as Macksville’s K-8 principal. 

Summers were spent mapping the next school year, painting and/or shingling houses, and cutting/hauling wheat for local farmers. For many years, the remainder of his summers included coaching youth softball or baseball. He was a member of the Macksville Christian Church, Macksville Lions Club, and United School Administrators. Jerry loved children and young adults. He thoroughly enjoyed seeing youth and young adults grow through school and a variety of activities. Over the years, Jerry and Kaye not only attended all of their children’s activities and were avid followers of their grandchildren’s activities, but they were also regular attendees of many local school activities in Macksville and St. John.

 Jerry is survived by his daughters: Janis Fair of Sterling, Jerlyn (Mike) Peak of Andover, and son: Jon (Nikki) Paden of Little River; 10 grandchildren: Taylor and Ashtyn Fair, Cameron and Marissa Fair, Mikalyn, Jonathon, and Karly Peak, and Jacob, Sutton, and Mason Paden; 4 great-grandchildren: Lyla, Abiyah, Niles, and Tillie Fair; mutually adopted son: Brian (Cindy) Martin of Texas; brothers-in-law: Marion Alpers, Gayle (Rena) Mason, and Steve Wangerin; many nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Kaye; sister, Juanita Alpers; sister-in-law, Lynda Wangerin; and his parents, John and Linda Paden. 

Cremation has occurred. Celebration of Life will be held at the Macksville Christian Church at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 1st, with Taylor Fair and Jacob Russell officiating. Inurnment will follow in Farmington Cemetery, Macksville. Casual attire and school/community spirit wear is encouraged. Visitation with family present will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Minnis Chapel, St. John, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Macksville Christian Church, Sandstone Heights Nursing Home, or the donor’s local school of choice, in care of Minnis Chapel, PO 34, St. John, KS 67576.