John "Jerry" Burbridge, 70, of Eolia, MO, departed this life on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. He was born on October 2, 1953, to John and Cora Lee (Bradshaw) Burbridge. Jerry attended school in the Clopton School district.  During his time there he was a star basketball player and popular student. His beautiful smile and wonderful personality made him a friend to many. Upon graduation he attended college in Hillsboro, MO, then Springfield, MO. With illness being his only barrier to a promising pro-basketball career.  Upon his return, he was very active in the Eolia community and mayor of the village for many years.  July 5, 1996, he married Sharon Dunn in Warrenton, MO, and the rest is history. Jerry was a horse trainer his whole life and a very good one. He loved spending the time working with the horses and teaching them.  Jerry was gifted and his special gift  was evident to all. His favorite thing to do was to ride, show horses and attend the events. He earned many ribbons, awards and trophies over the years that he proudly displayed. But one of his greatest joys was being able to share his love and knowledge of horses with his grandchildren.  Because of  Jerry's kind eyes and  magnetic, outgoing persona, he made friends all over the United States. If you met him, he was your fast friend and had your back. Jerry's favorite times were time spent with friends and family. He  will be remembered lovingly by all those who knew and loved him.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Dunn Burbridge of the home; his children: Chad (Riah) Hill of MN, Kish Lewis of Troy, MO, Mike (Carol Jean) Scott of Troy, Patricia Dunn of Kansas City, MO, Lindsey (Mark) Kidd of Illinois,  and Rachel (Trevor) Lilley of Clarksville, MO; his siblings: Kathleen (Donald) Watson of Eolia, Beatrice "Bea" Gulley of IL., Marshall (Maryann) Burbridge of FL., Connie Burbridge-Scott (Donovan) of O'Fallon, Mary (Ryan) Holmes of St. Louis, as well as many other nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, and eldest brother, James Allen Burbridge.

Visitation to be held on next Friday, April 12, 2024, 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1304 Boone Street, Troy, MO, 63379, 636-528-8244. A funeral service to be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, 11:00 a.m., also at the funeral home in Troy. Rev. Sammy Lorton to officiate. Interment to follow in the Eolia Community Cemetery, Eolia, MO. Pallbearers to be: Dave Dietz-Ben Jeans-Donald Watson-Eddie Wheeler-Mike Scott-Chad Angle, Honorary pallbearers: Chad Hill-Kish Lewis-Trevor Lilley. The Repass will be held for family and friends after the burial at the Clarksville American Legion Hall, 504 South 2nd Street, Clarksville, MO, 63336.  Memorial donations may be made to: Sharon Burbridge to help defray funeral costs c/o the funeral home. Family and friends are invited to visit our website at mccoyblossomfh.com to sign the on-line guest register.