Jerry Frederick 'Papa' Metzger

Jerry Frederick Metzger, age 91, with his crops forever laid by, met Jesus on Thursday, August 7, 2025. He was born on November 29, 1933 in Broken Arrow, OK. Jerry was the eldest of three children born to Fred Gottlieb Metzger and Rilla Mae Hayes. He attended grade school in Jenks, OK, then in 1948 his family moved to Braggs, OK where he graduated in 1952. Jerry married Bertie Faye Jones on March 26, 1955 and they enjoyed over 66 years of marriage before her passing in 2021. He always said "we were together nearly every place, every day, every minute of our lives. That's how being a farm family works”. Jerry made his life farming in the Braggs sandhills and bottomland along the Arkansas River. Early in his profession, he raised watermelons which he trucked into Nebraska, the Dakotas, and Montana. He and his dad were the first to introduce wheat in Braggs. Later he began growing cotton, soybeans, and corn. He diversified his operation with the first sod farm in the area. Jerry could plant the straightest rows, and back an 18-wheeler or his motorcoach in the tightest of places with precision. Jerry had a deep love for the San Juan Mountains of SW Colorado. When the summer rains would come and crops were nearly made, he would take his family on vacation. He was a rockhound and he had a passion for goldmining. He learned silversmithing which allowed him to design several pieces of turquoise, silver and gold jewelry. In the 1970's, Jerry piloted his own small plane. He and Bertie, along with other couples, would fly their planes into Mexico for a leisurely weekend. After his retirement, he enjoyed creating wood and metal pieces in his shop, many times from old farm relics and family heirlooms. He also continued to grow peppers, tomatoes and watermelons in his garden, and treasured time spent in the kitchen with Bertie making dips, salsas, candy and family meals. Jerry attended Crescent Valley Baptist Church where he was baptized. He left this life reading his Bible every morning, spending time in prayer, and learning to rely on his relationship with Jesus. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Bertie; parents Fred and Rilla; and sisters Jane and Sally. Those who will cherish his legacy are daughter Melinda Goodnight and husband Phillip; son Jerry L Metzger and wife Cindy; son Toby Metzger and wife Sheila; 10 grandchildren: Eric Goodnight and wife Jessica, Patrick Goodnight and wife Brittany, Ryan Metzger and fiancée Margaret, Travis Metzger and wife Rachel, Hayden Metzger, Alex Boyer, Hannah Mann and husband Derrek, Wyatt Metzger, Hannah Hughes and husband Jacob, Jerry C Metzger and wife Cessna; 10 great-grandchildren: Isiah, Haley, Jacee, Arabella, Kahlan, Evelyn, Tanner, Ethan, Bode and Augustus. Jerry also leaves behind his dear friend, Ginny Utsler. They spent the last few years being prayer partners and studying the Bible together as well as enjoying farmers markets and dinners out. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if donations were made to the Gideons International, PO Box 204, Muskogee, OK 74402. Jerry’s life will be celebrated 1PM, Monday, August 11, 2025 at Crescent Valley Baptist Church in Fort Gibson with Pastor Sam Dunn officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow at South Bethel Cemetery in Braggs with Jerry’s grandsons serving as casket bearers. The family of Jerry Frederick Metzger has entrusted his care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Jerry Frederick 'Papa' Metzger

November 29, 1933 - August 7, 2025