Jerry McIntyre, a musically talented handyman who retired from John Deere, currently performs at Rathbun Country Music Theater and other places. Photo submitted

He’s more than just a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Jerry McIntyre and lovely wife Debbie, or Deb as friends call her, live in a beautiful home with a spectacular view a few miles north of tiny Plano, Iowa. Born and raised near Reinbeck, Iowa, Jerry’s been a multi-talented musician since the days of his youth. Besides playing the drums in his high school and jazz bands, he performed with other country bands on weekends. His love for music has never faded.

As a young, handsome and bright high school student, Jerry met Deb at a teen dance and promised to take her on a date the next night. Jerry remarks with a friendly grin, which is part of his charm on stage and off, “Deb was surprised to learn her parents already knew me from places I had played which they’d attended. She and I hit it off right away. She became the most important person in my life.”

Like many young, hardworking Americans, Jerry worked at two different places before finally joining and eventually retiring from John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa. On weekends, he played and sang in bands. While Jerry was bringing home the paycheck, Deb was faithfully and diligently raising two daughters and a son to become success stories and follow their dad into the world of music.

Following high school graduation and during some nights and weekends, Jerry joined a family band called The Versatiles, with Norm and Jan Neuerburg. When Norm’s job caused him to be transferred leaving many unfulfilled bookings, Jerry was asked to and did form a music group to fulfill the promised engagements. For five years he, Dick Wood and Tom Bicket formed the Tom, Dick & Jerry Band and became great friends. After Tom moved to Minnesota, Jerry joined the Ivan Paul and the Nomads Band, where he played and sang a lot of country and rock – n – roll. As the years passed, Jerry spent time playing with The Youngbloods and the Ed Nelson and the Travelin’ Band.

In 1986 Jerry’s pal Neil Allen, asked him to join a five piece group called The Country Five Band. Twenty one years later, Jerry and Deb purchased their scenic piece of land near Plano. Smiling at the memory, he notes, “I hit every jam session in a fifty mile radius to play with local musicians. I performed with the Hee Haw Show in Unionville, Iowa a couple of times and in 2011, 2012, and 2013 I helped Sharon West put together a house band for the Hee Haw Show.”

Three years earlier, in 2008, Jerry met Willis Dickerson at a monthly jam session in Lemons, Missouri. Willis, the owner and Master of Ceremonies at the Rathbun Country Music Theater, asked Jerry to appear at one of his shows. After watching Jerry perform, Willis asked him to become a backup member of the popular house band.

Smiling cheerfully, Jerry recalls, “I soon discovered why the house band and fans all called that theater the Rathbun Family. The house band, guests and fans interacted with music, comedy and appreciation for a great evening. We had fun on the stage and off.” Fans appreciate Jerry’s humility, enthusiasm for music, dignified sense of humor and his friendly demeanor. He is always well dressed for shows and never seeks the limelight. He’s a team oriented musician.

Besides performing, Willis also needed a versatile handyman or master of many skills. Grinning, Jerry explains, “When I wasn’t on stage, Willis asked me to operate sounds and lights, greet fans when they arrived and direct them to parking spots. And I was also tasked with som maintenance and cleaning duties. Working for Willis and being part of the theater family was worth the sacrifices. I got plenty of performance times and was honored to have the opportunity to be there.” Willis says of Jerry, “He is a very talented person. A great singer, guitar player and also plays the drums. He’s a friend who is always there first person willing to lend a helping hand no matter what the project may be. You can count on Jerry.”

Deb was also an integral part of the theater family. She, along with Deb Davison, worked the concession stand and provided assistance to Faye Dickerson in the ticket booth. She offers, “That whole front end tried to make every fan feel welcome. That is so important.”

Deb has always been the main cheerleader and prime supporter. She adds, “I’ve always followed Jerry to his shows unless I’m caring for our grandchildren. In my spare summer time, I help tend a big garden and mow the yard.”

The McIntyres have two daughters, a son and six grandchildren. Besides being exceptionally proud of each one, they are all musically talented. Except for two members of their family, who already had a piano, Jerry and Deb generously purchased a new piano for each home. They also have given them violins and guitars to further their musical talents.

When Willis sold the theater to the John Bain family in 2014, Jerry, Sharon West, David Pitt and Peggy Wardenburg were asked to be in the house band. Jerry loves all music but some of this favorite legends are Buck Owens, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard; however, his number one favorite is Vince Gill. “I’ve always loved performing at Rathbun,” he admits. “The fans and musicians are great.” Some of the many he misses mixing comedy and music include: Steve Head and Pat Sharman, Milt Albertson, Sadie Pierson, Roxanne Gregg, Lonnie Erwin (Lonzo), Cindy Rhoades, Doug Davison, Melissa Shineflew and many others; however, he emphasizes that he also enjoys the new house band and the many new guests.

John Bain, Jr., who hosts the Rathbun show now, says of Jerry, “I definitely reinforce the words of Willis. When we purchased the theater, Jerry was a tremendous help. He donated his time to make renovations and help us prepare for the shows.”

The McIntyres still attend the Lemons, Missouri, jam session the 3rd Saturday of every month when not on the Rathbun stage. When asked about that show in rural Missouri, a huge smile appears. “That’s where my friends are. Many of the old Rathbun bunch go there, including Willis and Raye. It’s like old home week!”

Jerry has also recorded a CD with 14 classic country songs and a gospel. Titled A Little Piece of Me, Jerry’s personal favorite on the CD is Look at Us. Jerry is proud to say, “Here I am! I’ve had the pleasure and honor to play with some of the best musical talent anyone could ask for.”

The McIntyres are perfect hosts. After the interview, I learned that Deb is quite talented in sewing, knitting and crocheting beautiful pieces of art. And, before leaving their immaculate and tastefully decorated home, I ate lunch with them. Deb makes a fantastic chicken and noodles as well as a delicious dessert. Sometimes it pays to interview and write about talented entertainers!