Jarold (Jerry) Dean Harrison
January 25, 1949 ~ September 6, 2023
Jarold (Jerry) Dean Harrison, 74, former Sedgwick County Assistant Manger, passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023, in Wichita, Kansas. Jerry was born on January 25, 1949, in McPherson, Kansas to parents, Norman and Doris (Brumback) Harrison. Jerry married Carol Lee Calkins on February 16th, 1968. To that union, two children were born, Justin Thomas and Sarah Elizabeth.
He later married Traci Ann (Ploeger) Adams on June 11th, 1988. Following that union in 1997, Jerry adopted Traci’s 2 children, Heather Nicole and Ryan Scott. Jerry served in the in the United States Navy from 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1973. While in the service, he served as a Corpsman during the Vietnam War. After his military service he returned home and attended Wichita State University. After earning his degree, Jerry began his employment with Sedgwick County starting out as an Internal Auditor. As the years went by, Jerry’s jobs changed, working and moving into other departments. He advanced and served as the Assistant County Manager for many years before retiring in 2002. While in that position he covered multiple departments including County Fire, Emergency Management, County Parks, Cowtown and the Sedgwick County Zoo and many others. (Jerry loved his time out of the office visiting these departments) He also acted as interim county manager on multiples occasions, served on a multiple number of boards and committees during his career with Sedgwick County.
Jerry enjoyed reading, working on puzzles, traveling, and especially spending time with family. He added many miles to his travels going to his children’s and then grandchildren’s activities over the years.
Jerry is survived by his wife Traci; children, Justin Harrison and wife Sara; Sarah Manning and husband, Doug; Heather Jarman; and Ryan Harrison and wife Darah; sister, Sandra Gates; and brother, Stephen Harrison; thirteen grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Norman & Doris, and infant sister Susan.
Memorial Service will be at 2:00 pm, Friday, September 22, 2023, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Memorials have been established with: Phoenix Home Care & Hospice, 3450 North Rock Road, Building 200, Suite 213, Wichita, KS 67226 and Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 West Zoo Blvd., Wichita, Kansas 67212.
Funeral Service will be Live Streamed and available to view by clicking "Watch Now" below.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Jerry was always so witty and had a great sense of humor. He was a good conversationalist and always friendly. We will keep Traci and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerry was the best American host father my sons could ever have.
Your Spanish family will always remember you.
Fair winds and following seas sailor. “Boatswain… Standby to pipe the side… Shipmate’s going Ashore…” Thank you Jarold for your service to this nation. U.S. Navy, Vietnam. Corpsman.
I’m so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. As assistant zoo director I enjoyed working with him as assistant county manager. I think we both agreed that being in the number two slot suited us much better than being in the top position, although Jerry certainly had the skills and abilities to do so. Traci, please know that our thoughts are with you.
During the time Jerry was the representative from the county on the zoo board, he was the one who kept us sane. He was wonderful to work with while making sure we had what we needed from the county. He will be missed. Kelly Callen