Jere Kuehn, Sr.

Jere Arvor Kuehn, Sr., 91, passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at his home in the Crabtree Community of North Carolina. Jere was a native of Conway, Arkansas. He was graduated from Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and later attended theological seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. Jere was a dedicated servant as Baptist Minister and Associational Missionary for thirty years for church fields in southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana. Jere served his country well, first as a teenager working in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Idaho, where he worked on building trails and in fish farming. Many times he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work and to learn through the CCC and his pride in the tasks he accomplished. He earned extra money doing laundry for the other young men serving with him. In 1943, Jere entered the 24th Division of the 34th Infantry I-Corp of the U.S. Army, serving as a Staff Sergeant in WWII in combat zones in the Philippine Islands and New Guinea. Jere is a decorated WWII veteran, having received the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations on Leyte, Philippine Islands; the Silver Star for "gallant action, performed with utter disregard for his personal safety," staying behind during heavy fire to bandage, administer medications and evacuate the wounded in Zig Zag Pass, Luzon, Philippine Islands; and two Purple Hearts. During his service, he also participated in the evacuation of a group of missionaries. Jere was proud of his service to his country, although he was for many years hesitant to talk about the war, saying no one would believe the experiences which changed his life forever. He consistently stated that during wartime, he used every bit of training that he was given and was thankful for the preparations that enabled him to serve and lead his men. Jere was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Frederick Kuehn and Pocahontas Edward Dobbins Kuehn of Evansville, IN; his half-brother Dr. Bob Lees; his brother, Charles Kuehn of Baxter Springs, Kansas; and his wife of 73 years, Cassie LaVerne Laird Kuehn. The two became sweethearts at the age of six when they met in a little country school in Jerome, Arkansas. They were married at the age of 16. Jere is survived by his daughters, Ginger Kuehn Lang (Dr. Richard Lang), Peggy Kuehn Touchet (Daniel Robertson) of Clyde, NC and sons, Jere Kuehn, Jr. (Melinda Kuehn) of Sylva, NC and Steve Kuehn of Clyde, NC; grandchildren Zachary Wilcox (Michal Wilcox) of Bentonville, AR; Erin Touchet of Waynesville, NC; Eli Touchet (Elizabeth Touchet) of Lafayette, LA; Joel Kuehn (Erin Kuehn) of Charlotte, NC; Matthew Kuehn (Jeanette Kuehn) of Arden, NC; Seth Kuehn (Josey Kathryn Robertson Warren) and Cassie Kuehn of Sylva, NC; Gage Kuehn of Austin, TX and Chance Kuehn (Kylie Kuehn) of Waynesville, NC; great-grandchildren Zuzu, Hudson, Rafe, Grady and Hazel Elise Wilcox; Avery and Eli Touchet; Salem and Tanix Kuehn; Benjamin Kuehn; and Stevie Blair Kuehn; a nephew Laird Morgan of Dallas, Texas; nephews Charles Kuehn (Geneiene) and Bob Kuehn (Beverly); and great nieces and nephews in Baxter Springs, Kansas. Jere's life was one of dedicated leadership and service to his family, country, church members, fellow man and God. He was a great warrior, protector and provider. He will be missed by family and friends who loved him well.

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