Jerry Marvin Haws

Jerry Marvin Haws, 85, of Wilmore, KY entered eternal rest on Friday, July 03, 2026. He was surrounded by the people he loved most in his last days, and he passed peacefully in his sleep. Jerry was born on December 28, 1940, in Kingfisher, OK to the late Floyd and Mary Laura (Francis) Haws. He was a 1959 graduate of Guthrie High School and went on to become the first in his family to graduate from college, earning his BA in Chemistry from the University of Oklahoma in 1964. He proudly served in the Army National Guard and was called to active duty during the Vietnam conflict, serving at Ft. Polk, LA, and Ft. Hood, TX. Jerry worked for ARCO in Chicago, IL, DOW Chemical in Nashville, TN, and Johnson and Johnson in Little Rock, AR, before finally settling in Wilmore, KY, in 1973, where he embraced his passion as a farmer and a horseman. In 1975, he joined his former father-in-law, Asa H. Jewell, at the Blooded Horse Sales Company. Jerry proudly served as president of the company for nearly fifty years before transitioning the role to his son, Jerry Junior (JJ), at the beginning of this year. Jerry remained deeply involved in the company’s daily life; the work was his true passion, and he treasured the employees of the sale company, whom he always considered an extension of his own family. Jerry was a quiet leader with a servant’s heart. He dedicated decades of service to the boards of directors for the United States Trotting Association (USTA), South Elkhorn Water District, New Vocations Retired Racehorse Adoption Program, and Kentucky Harness Horseman Association (KHHA), where he also served several years as vice-president. A devoted believer in Jesus, Jerry was an elder and former treasurer of the Wilmore Presbyterian Church. His servant’s heart was further evidenced through his global mission work in Ecuador, El Salvador, and Peru that made a lasting impression on his life. From cruises to beach vacations to white water rafting adventures, Jerry was always up for a trip. He was an avid fan of college sports, holding a particular affinity toward OU softball. Jerry loved his family dearly. He was the quiet, proud observer at karate and soccer matches, horse shows, band and choral concerts, softball and baseball games, always cheering on his children and grandchildren. He was our quiet, steady anchor during the chaos of life. May we all be so blessed to have a life as well lived and well loved. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Kenneth and wife Norma Haws, Norman and wife Betty Haws, Carol (Haws) Schick; and his nephew Larry Haws. He is survived by his beloved wife Billie (Brumfield); his children JJ (Nancy) Haws, Charles (Shira Karp) Haws, Asa Haws, Britt Clem, JL Clem, Mateya Hartley; his grandchildren, Jo and Clara Haws; eight nieces and nephews; and dozens of great-nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Wilmore Presbyterian Church. An additional hour of visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM before the funeral service. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Wilmore Presbyterian Church, with Reverend Doctor Beth Garrod-Logsdon officiating. Interment will be family only at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens, Nicholasville, KY. Pallbearers will be David Haws, John Haws, Richard Clay McConnell, Charles Morgan, Brad Schick, and Byron Schick. Honorary pallbearers will be Barbara and Mike Antrobus, Jim and Janet Brumfield, Charles Hahn, Dot Morgan, and the session of Wilmore Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wilmore Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Lexington Ave., Wilmore, KY 40390.

Betts & West Funeral Home is honored to serve Jerry and his family at this difficult time.  Online guestbook at www.BettsandWestfuneralhome.com.