Gerald Don Polnack

Gerald Don Polnack, 85, of Odessa, Missouri passed away October 23, 2012 at the Villages Of Jackson Creek in Independence, MO. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., October 25, 2012 at the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. Second St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524, with Reverend Terry Hodges officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00p.m. to 2:00p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Odessa City Cemetery. Memorial are suggested to the Heart Of America, Alzheimers Association or the First Baptist Church Of Odessa, building fund. Condolences for the family may be left at www.ralphojones.com. Gerald was born on December 3, 1926, in Dallas, Texas to Albert Ferdinand, Jr. and Ruth (Williamson) Polnack. He was a graduate of Adams High School in Dallas, TX. After high school he attended Baylor University where he earned his degree in English with a minor in German. Gerald was a veteran of the United States Navy and later served in the Army Reserves with the Counter Intelligence Corps. He worked for the United States Postal Service as a Postal Inspector for 30 Years. On August 26, 1949 he married Zelda Mae Sizemore in Dallas, TX. She preceded him in death. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Odessa. Gerald loved wildflower photography, traveling, camping in the Colorado mountains, target shooting and most of all spending time with his family. Survivors include two children, Hilda Janell Shippy and husband Virgil of Odessa, MO and Jon Eric Polnack and wife Josephine of West Springfield, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren, T.C. Shippy, Brett Dooley, Justin Polnack, Christa Polnack, Erica Polnack, Brianna Johnson and Sara Shippy; a great grandson, Dylan Polnack; a sister Yvonne Pierson and husband Al of Walnut Springs, TX. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and wife.