Jerry Priest

Jerry Lee Priest, 87, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center.

He was born Jan. 6, 1932, the second of five children to Charles "Tuck" and Erna Priest of Cape Girardeau.

He attended St. Vincent Grade School and graduated Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1950. He was a member of the U.S. Air Force for four years, serving in both the U.S. and the Philippine Islands as a senior communications specialist. After his honorable discharge, he attended Southeast Missouri State University and was a member and president of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science, emphasis marketing.

In 1959, he opened the Pladium, a legendary local pool hall and bar. He was owner and operator until his retirement in January 1994. He was accomplished in the field of pocket billiards, winning three major national championships in the senior division in 1987, 1989 and 1990. In 1980, he was named the Billiards Proprietor of the Year by Sporting News.

He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Elks and Billiards Congress of America. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing with family and friends at area lakes and charter fishing in the Gulf.

He is survived by his brother, Charles (Don) Priest of Cape Girardeau, and sister, Mary L. Helbig of St. Louis.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; brother, Jack L. Priest of St. Louis; and sister, Jo Ellen Priest of Cape Girardeau.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral will follow at noon Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Michael Casteel officiating. Burial will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VFW.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.