Rev. Jerry A. Means

10/30/2022

Reverend Jerry A. Means, 92, of Ida, LA passed away Sunday, October 30, 2022. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, November 20, 2022, at the Ida United Methodist Church.

“As followers of Christ, we are sent into the world to be conduits of God’s love to every person we meet.” Jerry Means

Jerry was born on July 30, 1930, to Harry P. Means and Ruby Akin Means in Ida, LA.  He was a graduate of Centenary College in Shreveport and received his Master of Divinity degree from Duke University in Durham, NC. 

He served as a minister for the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, helping to establish and grow church communities all over the state; his first church was Barksdale Methodist, in Bossier City, followed by congregations in Dubach, Ferriday, Franklinton, Lafayette, Hammond, Blanchard, Belcher, Pineville and finally returning to his hometown of Ida.

An Eagle Scout in his youth, and later a Scout Master, Jerry guided legions of scouts on adventures across America; including the National Boy Scout Jamboree and the World’s Fair in New York. In 2001, Jerry was elected to serve as the Mayor of Ida. Securing water for the town was a proud achievement of his administration.

His lifelong love for gardening was instilled by his father at an early age and furthered while working for his uncle, Edwin P. Akin, original owner of Akin’s Nursery in Shreveport. Jerry found the garden to be a place for meditation and gardening remained a daily devotion and joy. Ever ready to serve and give to those in need, gardening also produced a bounty he lovingly shared with anyone he encountered along the way.

His beloved wife and companion Patricia June Fletcher Means preceded Jerry in death. Very much in love, they lived an adventurous life traveling the country and serving the United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his children, David Means of Ida, LA, Ann Payne and husband Danny of Shreveport, Debbie Holder and husband Bill, Linda Allen, and Laura Holloman; his brother Frank Means and wife Carolyn of Ida; 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.