Born on April 29, 1951, Jerry was a lifelong supporter of his hometown of Davis, Oklahoma. He graduated from Davis High School and continued his education at East Central University and the University of Oklahoma, preparing for a career that would positively impact generations of students and athletes.

Jerry dedicated more than 40 years of his life to Davis Public Schools as a teacher and coach. Through his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence, he helped shape the lives of countless young people. His distinguished coaching career earned him induction into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of his lasting contributions to Oklahoma athletics and education.

Few things brought Jerry more pride than Davis football. He poured his heart into the program and remained one of its most loyal supporters throughout his life. Whether on the sidelines, in the locker room, or cheering from the stands, he embodied the spirit, tradition, and pride of the Davis Wolves.

On September 1, 1979, Jerry married the love of his life, Glenna Raper. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service, sharing 46 wonderful years of marriage. As devoted members of Davis First Baptist Church, Jerry and Glenna found strength and fellowship in their church family and community.

Jerry loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing on Arbuckle Lake. Those peaceful days on the water brought him great happiness. Yet, nothing meant more to him than his family. He especially cherished the time spent with his son, Dusty, and loved watching his granddaughters compete in basketball and track. Whether cheering from the stands or celebrating their accomplishments, he took immense pride in being a grandfather and treasured every moment he spent with them.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Glenna Raper; his son, Dusty Raper and wife Andrea; his cherished granddaughters, Hannah Raper and Hadley Raper; his brother, David Raper and wife Janie; his many fellow coaches, former players, students, and lifelong friends; and numerous extended family members whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and friendship.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Lula Raper; his brothers, Sherman Raper Jr. and Conrad Raper; and his sister, Mary-Kathern Raper-Yell. Jerry will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his dedication to education, his love for Davis football, and the profound influence he had on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on in the students he taught, the athletes he coached, the colleagues who stood beside him, and the family he loved with all his heart.

While his presence will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught, the lives he touched, and the example he set will continue to inspire generations to come.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Davis, with Pastor Tony Randall officiating. Interment will follow at the Green Hill Cemetery in Davis under the direction of DeArman Funeral Home. Family hour will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at DeArman Funeral Home in Sulphur.