Page 11 - Lubbock Senior Link Magazine Summer 2022 - Online Magazine

FIRST RESPONDERS

and prisoners in all
areas of the Emmaus,
Chrysalis, and
Kairos ministries.
His homemade
cinnamon rolls were a
favorite with ministry
participants. Jerry
and Linda’s home
and barn became
a gathering place
for many Christian
groups. Emmaus
groups still meet there
today. Jerry was even
a part of the Emmaus
expansions into
Sweden, Denmark,
and Norway. His
servant heart also took
Jerry Kelley has always been known for his barn.
This is the barn at his home in Mineral Wells him on local church
mission trips to New
York and Mexico.
through this.” He was a firefighter travelling at 60 mph. They suddenly
during the tragic time when three hit a dip; both men went flying off In his response to those in need,
firefighters lost their lives in the the truck. Jerry said, “I was not hurt Jerry became a private pilot so he
Underwood’s building fire. Jerry’s very bad, only lost the back side of could help others faster and see his
station should have my britches from the waistband to granddaughters more often. Flying
been at that fire, but the dispatcher my knees.” Cliff wasn’t as lucky. He his dentist and hygienist to the needy
failed to notify them. “There were had a broken collar bone, cuts, and in Mexico, Jerry was once again on
many tense moments; most of them scratches. That evening when his the front lines of rendering aid. He
are tragic times.” Jerry sadly recalls pregnant wife, Linda, picked him up even cleaned and pulled a few teeth
the days and nights after the 1970 at the fire station, she asked, “Why while there.
Lubbock tornado. He was called in to didn’t you hold on?” That booster
search for people in truck never made Today, Jerry Kelley responds to
“lots of debris, not a it back into service needs with the Palo Pinto Sheriff’s
pleasant job.” again. Department, where he serves in the
Sheriff’s Posse. “Guess I must have
Another memorable Responding to the been walking sideways, so I had to
moment was when needs of others is get another badge to balance me
Jerry and fellow a hallmark of Jerry out,” Jerry jokingly commented.
firefighter, Cliff Kelley’s life. After Jerry also enjoys delivering Meals
Baker, were rushing retiring from the on Wheels and flowers for his
to a tractor fire Fire Department, granddaughter Lexis’ flower shop
east of New Deal. Jerry continued in Mineral Wells. He has lived a life
Both men were helping others by of responsive, quick, appropriate,
riding on the back volunteering in the sensitive, and joy-filled reaction to
of a 1-ton pickup Walk to Emmaus the needs of others. His responder’s
water-hauling ministries. He heart has truly blessed the lives
booster truck. They loved sharing the of many … Jerry Kelley, first, and
were standing on Gospel of Christ as always a responder!
a platform holding he served adults,
onto a bar—while youth, children,

Lubbock Senior Link 11