Jerry Rich, Joplin, Mo.**Update**

[ray qualls]

Just got word this evening that fellow steel player Jerry Rich from Joplin, Mo. passed away this afternoon. Not much info but I'll post more as it becomes available. I've known Jerry since 1978 and he played on our KSGA show a couple of years ago. Good steel player and good person. He will be missed. Ray
**Update** Just found out from Lee that Jerry was cremated and they are going to have a memorial for him Saturday from 11:00-2:00 at the Silverado Saloon in Joplin.Its located on W. 7th. St. next door to the old Wal-mart building which is now called NCO. Be there if you can to remember a good friend. Ray

[Larry King]

I'm very sorry to hear this . I worked with Jerry several times back around 2000 . He was much younger than I so I'm taken back .

[Leland Ogle]

After my wreck, Jerry took my place in the Deuces Wild Band. Now I am taking his place. What a great guy, no ego, always encouraging. I will really miss him.
Lee

[Norma Jean Lucas]

I too was taken back from this news. I have very fond memories of playing with Jerry when he was first learning to play the steel. I'll never forget the one lick he used that went on and on. By the way when I saw him at Baxter he sure looked a lot different but still the same happy Jerry. RIP

[Scott Henderson]

Sad news and it breaks my heart. Jerry was a sweetheart of a person. He worked for Sam Bidwell until he came back to Joplin and I was his replacement. He treated me with nothing but respect when I came to Wichita and when we saw each other a couple of years ago in Baxter I was treated like an old friend. He will be missed.

[Leland Ogle]

Just got home from Jerry's Memorial. Saw a lot of old friends, all of them with stories of how great a guy Jerry was. He is already missed, alot.
Lee