Born: Thursday Mar-14-1946
Died: Friday Jun-26-2026
Funeral: Tuesday Jun-30-2026

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

John Milton Gerrard, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 26, 2026, at the age of 80. Surrounded by the love of his family and in the comfort of his home, John completed a life well lived—a life marked by unwavering faith, hard work, generosity, and an abiding love for God, family, and the outdoors.

John was born on March 14, 1946, in Chama, New Mexico, to John E. Gerrard and Mildred Thurman Gerrard. As a young boy, his family followed his father's work in the oil fields, living throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico before settling in Big Piney, Wyoming, in 1958. He attended Koogler Elementary School in Aztec, New Mexico, and graduated from Big Piney High School, where he developed the strong work ethic and determination that would define his life.

In 1965, John made Burley, Idaho, his home. He became a licensed plumbing contractor and built a respected reputation through Gerrard Plumbing, serving the community with honesty, skill, and integrity. He later founded Pipe Dream Paints, combining his entrepreneurial spirit with his passion for craftsmanship. John also spent many of his earlier years as a swine producer, always finding fulfillment in working with the land and caring for animals.

One of John's greatest passions was his love for Paint Horses. He dedicated countless hours to researching bloodlines, breeding exceptional horses, and showing them in Western Pleasure and Riding competitions. He took tremendous pride in raising a successful stallion and earned numerous awards and recognition throughout the years. His knowledge, patience, and love for the breed were admired by many.

Family was the center of John's world. He married Loverna Kelley on June 11, 1965, and together they welcomed two children. Though that chapter of life eventually came to a close, God had another beautiful plan for him. In November of 1983, John met Nancy Coombes, the love of his life. They were married on November 17, 1989, blending two families into one and creating a home filled with love, laughter, faith, and cherished memories.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy Gerrard; his children, John (Beth) Gerrard, LaDonna (Gene) Cope, Staci (Richard) Hobbs, Shawn (Leslie) Coombes, Jeremy Coombes, and Stephanie (Waylon) Hobbs; 21 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Iva Tuttle, Debbie (Ron Cleveland) Carpenter, and Vernel (Mike) Easley. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John E. Gerrard, Mildred Thurman Gerrard, and brother-in-law Wayne Tuttle.

John loved life outdoors. Whether camping beneath the stars, fishing a quiet stream, hunting in the mountains, tending his garden, or building something with his hands, he found joy in God's creation. Family barbecues were among his favorite occasions, and he was happiest standing at the grill, feeding whoever happened to gather. To John, there was always room for one more chair around the table and one more person to welcome.

Those who knew John knew they could count on him. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand, share his talents, or quietly meet a need. His generosity wasn't measured by what he gave but by the love with which he gave it. Whether repairing a plumbing problem, helping a neighbor, or encouraging someone through a difficult season, John lived a life of service.

Above all else, John loved the Lord. His faith was the foundation of everything he did. He faithfully served as a deacon at the Assembly of God Christian Center and, in 2009, founded the Burley chapter of Celebrate Recovery. Through that ministry, countless people found hope, healing, and the assurance that no life is beyond God's redeeming grace. John never missed an opportunity to share his testimony or encourage someone to trust in Christ.

He also served his community through the Cassia County Fair Board and 4-H program. He touched many lives through his willingness to volunteer wherever he was needed.

John will be remembered for his steadfast faith, generous spirit, and words of wisdom. Many who loved him can still hear him saying, "Be good and make God happy," or reminding them, "If you do right, things will go right." Those simple words reflected the way he lived every day—with honesty, kindness, forgiveness, and trust in God's plan.

His greatest accomplishments were not found in the businesses he built or the awards he earned, but in the lives he influenced. He taught his family to love deeply, forgive freely, work hard, and serve others with humility. His legacy lives on in the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and countless others whose lives were forever changed by his example.

A public viewing will be held on Monday, June 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home located at 188 South Highway 24 in Rupert, Idaho. An additional viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 30, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Community Church, officiated by Pastor Travis Turner. In accordance with John's wishes, cremation will follow the service under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Horizon Home Health and Hospice for the exceptional care, unwavering support, and loving kindness shown to John and his family during his final days. Your compassion brought great comfort and will never be forgotten.

While John's presence will be deeply missed, his family rejoices in the promise that he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior. His life was a testament to faith, love, service, and perseverance. Those who knew him are better because they knew him, and his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

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