Dr. Jerry Lynn Gallentine, beloved son of Ivan and Thelma (Tapp) Gallentine, was born on November 3, 1940 at his family home in Clayton, Kansas, and peacefully passed away with his loving family by his side, September 24, 2019, at Whispering Pines in Norton, at the age of 78.
Jerry grew up on a farm northwest of Clayton and graduated from Clayton High School. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Science from Fort Hays State University and his Masters of Science, Masters of Education, and Doctorate of Philosophy from The University of Toledo, all by the age of 24.
On September 18, 1961, Jerry married the love of his life, Shirley Brooks in Hays, Kansas and to this union two wonderful children were born. Both Jerry and Shirley were baptized at Clayton United Methodist Church. Upon graduation Jerry taught college biology and microbiology in Fremont, Nebraska until 1968. He thought he could affect the greatest change in higher education by pursing administrative roles.
From 1968 until 1980, Jerry held many and varied administrative roles culminating in the presidency of Labette Community College in 1980 in Parsons, Kansas. Jerry was President of Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska from 1983-1990; Western New Mexico University in Silver City, New Mexico from 1990-1993; lastly at National American University in Rapid City, South Dakota from 1993-2016. After his retirement in 2016, Dr. Jerry Gallentine remained as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board of Governors until 2018. He served 23 years as President of NAU. During his time at NAU, he served on Board of Directors of Salem University and Schiller International University and Board of Trustees at Salem University. Jerry began his own consulting firm, Gallentine Higher Education Consulting to assist colleges and universities become accredited for many years. Jerry and Shirley moved to Norton, Kansas in 2018.
Aside for his work, which he thoroughly loved, Jerry enjoyed being outside exploring nature and was also an avid reader. His greatest love was his family, especially his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild.
Survivors include: his loving wife, Shirley, Norton, Ks.; one daughter, Kim Gallentine; one son, Jerry Jr., and wife, Lynette Gallentine; one brother, John, and wife, Ann Gallentine, Clayton, Ks.; seven grandchildren, Ashley, and husband, Doug Weston; Zachary, and wife, Izzi Farran; Stephen Gallentine; Brooke Gallentine; Taryn, and husband, Jack Mitchell; Gannon Radenberg; Timmy Milliman Jr.; six great-grandchildren, Caleb and Hannah Hurlbut; Shelby, and husband, Jake Sleeth; Mason, Blake, and Cameron Weston; one great-grandchild, Soren Sleeth; several other relatives and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Delores Slipke.
FUNERAL SERVICE – Saturday, September 28, 2019 – 10:30 A.M.
PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – Norton, Kansas
VISITATION – Friday, September 27, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Enfield Funeral Home in Norton.
INTERMENT – Clayton Cemetery – Clayton, Kansas
MEMORIALS – Clayton Cemetery, Norcatur Alliance, Whispering Pines, or Peru State College Foundation
