Staats, Gerry, 85, passed away on December 29th, 2023. He was born in Indianola, Iowa on November 20th, 1938 to the late Prentice and Thelma Staats. Gerry married Kay Manning on April 7th, 1961 and started his career with Sutherland Lumber in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1966, he was transferred to southern California and lived there until moving to Derby in 1979. Gerry opened the Sutherland's at McArthur and K-15 in 1980 and retired in 2005, after 44 years. Gerry loved to garden and would plant over 75 tomato plants, green beans, and many other vegetables. He also adored his five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kay Staats; children, Mark (Echo) Staats, Terry (Jill) Staats, and Craig (Michelle) Staats, all of Derby. Grandchildren, Katie Gibson, Brett Staats, Cody Staats, Cooper Staats, Mason Staats, and three great-grandchildren. A private family service has already been held.

Since Gerry loved building things and working with wood, a memorial has been established with the Derby Education Foundation: Derby High School Industrial Technology Programs (Hand and Power Tools and Carpentry 1) 1550 E. Walnut Grove, Derby, KS 67037.