Jeffrey Volkerding

PARKER, Colo. — Jeffrey Vernon Volkerding of Parker, formerly of Overland Park, Kansas, and Cape Girardeau, left his earthly life suddenly and unexpectedly Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, due to an unattended medical emergency.

He was the first son born to Victor Vernon and Ferne Elizabeth Howard Volkerding on Jan. 22, 1960.

Jeff attended Trinity Lutheran Day School from kindergarten through eighth grade, and was salutatorian of his eighth grade class. In 1978, he graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School. During his high school years, his talents as a singer and musician were honed by his participation in numerous choir concerts and theater productions, culminating in his portrayal of Jud Fry in the Red Dagger offering of the musical "Oklahoma" during his senior year.

After high school, Jeff worked as a Realtor until 1985, when he made the move to the hospitality industry. He worked in Missouri and Kansas as general manager and director of operations of several motels. He served on the Missouri Hotel and Motel Association Board of Directors from 1988-2000 and was elected president and president-elect in 1998 and 2000, respectively. He was appointed to the Perry County (Missouri) Tourism Commission in July 1988 and served two terms as its president. While in Perryville, Missouri, Jeff was an engaged community member. He founded and was chairman of "Perryville's Fabulous 4th" Independence Day celebrations in 1997 and 1998. He was elected to serve a three-year term on the Perry County School District School Board. He also served on the lodging and tourism committee of the Merriam, Kansas, Chamber of Commerce.

Jeff stayed connected to music throughout his life. In his younger years, he was a member of several bands — Melody Lane Express and Ivory Tower, for example. He also sang at weddings, funerals and other events. And he worked as and enjoyed being a DJ for events such as wedding receptions and corporate parties.

Jeff gave of himself by volunteering numerous hours to produce, direct and perform musical entertainment for local schools, churches, nursing homes and sheltered workshops. He also volunteered for the National Stroke Association, manning the phone helping others navigate the after-effects of having a stroke.

Survivors include one son, Christopher Volkerding of the Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas, area; two sisters, Victoria Roundtree of Parker and Jennifer Volkerding-Trinka of Whitewater; brother, Gregory Volkerding, whose whereabouts are currently unknown; uncle, Jerry Howard of Dexter, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and -nephews, with another on the way; and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Louis and Oma O'neal Volkerding and John and Sylvia Brecheisen Howard; and many other family members.

A private family service was held in Parker at Parker Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the funeral home, officiated by the Rev. Douglas Breite of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau. Inurnment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to the National Stroke Association or the charity of your choice.