Gerrad Ray Vickers

Gerrad Ray Vickers, 49, passed away suddenly at his home Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. Gerrad was born to Gary A. Vickers and Linda M. (Vickers) Eckard on Aug. 15, 1976, in Nevada, MO. He graduated from Schell City High School in 1994. He attended and graduated from Missouri Welding Institute in 1996. He worked all over the US welding. He always enjoyed seeing new places and meeting new people.

Gerrad had a passion for teaching the trade and he found that in 2024 back at the place that taught him, MWI. He has taught many students, but his most precious student is his son, Garrett. Even though he didn’t get to finish teaching him, it was a true joy.

Gerrad was a true family man. He loved his wife and children dearly. Whether it was his wife working with him out on the road, taking the family on vacation, spending time working on the family farm or cooking apple butter every year with the family, friends and the veterans that have become family, everyone knew and loved him. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. Another talent Gerrad had was metal art. He enjoyed making metal flags that honored veterans. Some of his work can be seen at the Elks Lodge in Nevada, MO, Mt Vernon Veterans Home in Mt Vernon, MO, Coopers Gun in Nevada, MO, and all over the family farm where he built an entryway for his dad. He is also responsible for all of the flags you would see flying along AA Hwy. leading to the farm.

Gerrad was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gaylord and Nadine Vickers and John and Dorothy Newman; aunt, Roxie Stallings; and uncles, Mark and Stanley Vickers.

Gerrad is survived by his wife, Barbara Vickers, of the home; children: Brittany, Garett and Kadie Vickers, Zachary and Emmee Jamison, Heather McNeece, and Brooklyn and Tyler Allen; parents, Gary (Shirley) Vickers and Linda (Zande) Eckard; siblings: Jason(Wren) Vickers, Justin (Karri) Vickers, Mike (Tonya) Janes, and Michelle (Jason) Austrus; 15 grandchildren; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Service for Gerrad was held Monday, Dec. 1, at First Christian Church of El Dorado Springs, under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. He was laid to rest in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.