Gerald Glen Kausler "Brother Jerry"

Brother Jerry Kausler was called home by God on January 19, 2026. He passed peacefully in his sleep at St. Francis Hospital in Bartlett, Tennessee, after suffering several strokes that left him unable to carry on as a servant to God and to those around him.

Jerry was born in Festus, Missouri, on August 26, 1942 according to his mother — though later in life the government corrected this to August 27 (lol). During his early childhood, his family moved frequently while his father served in World War II. Around the age of 12 or 13, Jerry left home and began a life training and breaking horses. Later he began working with Thoroughbreds as an exercise boy at numerous race tracks across the country.

While on the Thoroughbred racing circuit, Jerry met the Fires family, who encouraged him to visit Rivervale, Arkansas. It was there that he met Shirley Clay, the love of his life. Jerry and Shirley were married on December 23, 1964. They continued working with racehorses and eventually settled in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where their only son, David Kausler, was born in 1969.

Soon afterward, Jerry and Shirley left the racetrack life and returned to Rivervale. Jerry worked various jobs before surrendering his life to the ministry, answering God’s call to serve. In 1974, Jerry and Shirley attended Southern Baptist College (Williams Baptist University) in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. Despite having completed only the sixth grade earlier in life, Jerry went on to earn an associate degree and completed several seminary courses.

Jerry faithfully served as pastor at Alicia Baptist Church, Cord Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Marked Tree, and First Baptist Church of Leachville, Arkansas, before finishing his pastoral career at Harrisburg, where he later retired. Even after retirement, he continued supply preaching for several years, until declining health prevented him from traveling.

In 2019, Jerry and Shirley moved in with their son David and daughter-in-law Anna when they could no longer live independently. Jerry remained there until his passing, missing Shirley every single day after her death.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Kausler; his mother, Elva Kausler; his father, Lilburn Kausler; and his siblings Charlotte Kausler; Faye (Bud) Russell; Pete (Judy) Kausler; Bill (Alberteen) Kausler; Sue (Joe) Boyd; and Norma (Paul) Primo.

He is survived by his son David (Anna) Kausler; his grandchildren Jake (Kendall) Kausler of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Drew Kausler of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Jerry developed deep and lasting relationships everywhere he went. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Many lives were changed through his friendship, love, and faithful service to God. He leaves behind a powerful legacy as a devoted Christian servant and a man with a heart full of love for others.

A Funeral service will be held at Rivervale Baptist Church on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. and visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. til service time.

Burial will follow service at Potter Memorial Cemetery in Lepanto.

Arrangements are under the care of Delancey Funeral Home in Lepanto.