Rev. Jerry Keith Coldren

Funeral service for Jerry Coldren will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 6, 2026, at Chelsea Grace of God Church. Burial will follow at Ball Cemetery.

Jerry Keith Coldren passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the age of 87.

He was born on March 31, 1938, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to W.D. and Wilma (Gay) Coldren. Later, he and his family moved to the Dewey area. In the years that followed, Jerry would find himself working at a gas station in Estes Park, Colorado. One day, an Army recruiter stopped in to visit with him. Recently married and with a baby on the way, Jerry made the decision to join the United States Army to better provide for his family. He proudly served his country, spending two years in Vietnam before being honorably discharged.

After his military service, Jerry began civilian life in Corpus Christi, Texas. Over the next several years, he worked at a Confederate museum, for A & P Produce in Hereford, Texas, and spent many years at Friend Tire, a custom tire and wheel shop in Harlingen, Texas.

Seeking a change, Jerry later moved to Collinsville, Oklahoma, to spend time with his brother. It was there that he answered the call to ministry in the Methodist faith. He was ordained and faithfully served congregations in several Oklahoma communities, including Chelsea, Delaware, Keyes, Foraker, Grainola, Shidler, South Coffeyville, and Lenapah. He retired and returned to Chelsea in 2017.

In 2010, Jerry began dating Vela Still, and they were married later that same year. Together, they traveled throughout Oklahoma as Jerry continued his ministry with the United Methodist Church.

In his spare time, Jerry enjoyed watching westerns and rodeos, working with stained glass, and taking a cruise or two. He was also an active member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W.D. and Wilma Coldren, and his daughter, Gayle Clift.

Survivors include his wife, Vela Coldren; son, Brian Coldren and wife Barbara; daughters, Christy Hildebrand and husband Clint, Kimberly Price, Marci Hanberry, and Ramona Meadows; brother, Denny Coldren; nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and several other extended family members, whom he loved dearly.