Jerry Bowen Hales returned to his heavenly home on February 8, 2022, in Cedar City, Utah, after a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Jerry was born January 11, 1942, in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Darrel F. Hales and Shirley Bowen Hales. Jerry spent his growing up years and attended all schools in Spanish Fork. He graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1960.
After graduation, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. Jerry served from 1960 – 1963. During his active service, Jerry attended his church meetings faithfully.
On June 21, 1963, Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Karen Raye Cox, in the Manti Utah Temple. They began their life together in Tulsa, OK, at the Spartan School of Aeronautics, where Jerry trained to become an aircraft mechanic. He was hired by Western Airlines in 1965, which took them to Los Angeles, CA. In 1966, he transferred to the Salt Lake International Airport so that he and Karen could return to Utah. They raised their family in Sandy, Utah. Jerry retired as an aircraft mechanic after 30 years with both Western and Delta Air Lines.
In 2004, Jerry and Karen moved to New Harmony, Utah, where he fulfilled his dream of being a Gentleman Farmer.
Jerry was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When called upon by ecclesiastical leaders or neighbors, he was there to serve. Jerry answered any calls that came his way. Jerry and Karen served as Church Site missionaries during two summers in Palmyra, NY, at the Hill Cumorah Pageant in 2006 and 2007.
Jerry loved airplanes. While living in Sandy, he rebuilt an Aeronca Champ in his garage, much to the amazement of the neighborhood. Jerry and Karen had many adventures traveling together, and their children have very fun memories of family vacations flying around this country he loved so much. Most of the travel destinations included American and Church history sites.
Jerry was a life-long learner and avid reader. He LOVED books, especially history. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He loved gardening and music, and enjoyed watching classic TV shows or old movies (preferably with M&Ms).
Family was most important to Jerry. He had to know how everyone was doing every day. He was so proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom he loved so dearly. He would ask, “How did I get to be so lucky to have a family like this one?”
Jerry is survived by his wife, Karen Raye, his five children: Julie Bishop (Bart), Kristen Jarman (Matt), Jennifer Maughan (Douglas), Kathryn Larkin (Alan), Jerry Lynn (Katherine), as well as his brother Gordon D. Hales of Idaho Falls, ID. He has 21 grandchildren and 4 ½ great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard D. Hales.
Services will be held at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork, Utah, on Monday, February 14, 2022. A viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and be sure to register to vote.
The family wishes to express their gratitude and love to all who have cared for, supported, and served Jerry and Karen during this time. His family would like to say, “Jerry, we’re so glad we got you!”
6 Condolences for Jerry Bowen Hales
Condolences(6)
Gordon and Kellie says
February 11, 2022 at 3:07 amKaren,
We love you so much. The devotion you and Jerry shared for one another was a gift to all of us. We know this hasn’t ended and Jerry will always be with you. He knows your family, friends and neighbors will hold you close and watch over you. We’re here for you always.
Wendy (Butler) Nicholson says
February 12, 2022 at 2:09 amMuch love and hugs to Karen, Jerry L. and family. I have been blessed to know Jerry and family and feel for your loss.
Dan and Penny Dunford says
February 12, 2022 at 6:03 amKaren and Jerry- Not one without the other. We have been the recipients of true Christ-like love and service for almost ten years in NewHarmony. From home and visiting teaching friendly helps of service and love (eggs included) as well as crochet hats and friendly stories all of it for sharing such fine examples. Thank you for allowing us to be counted among your friends.
Ray & Janet Spilker says
February 14, 2022 at 5:28 pmKaren: We have sweet memories of Jerry and his soft smile always given with a twinkle in his eye. We think of you often as we pass your house in Sandy and remember with fondness our days as young couples with growing families. It has been many years since you moved to New Harmony but we remember you and send our love and hugs to you and your family.
Deanna Groke says
February 14, 2022 at 5:55 pmDear, sweet Karen and family. As yoou know, we love you to the moon and back. Whatever organization Jerry gets in in the spirit world. they will never have a better secretary. I have never seen anybody take that calling so very seriously. What a sweetheart. May Heavenly Father give you the peace that you deserve. Hugs, Bishop Bob and Deanna
Jennifer S. Adair says
February 14, 2022 at 10:24 pmDearest Karen and family,
We just can’t believe Jerry has moved on to the next estate already. We have loved rubbing shoulders with him over our years together here in New Harmony. We adored your loving relationship together and think of you as the perfect couple, so perfectly matched. We pray for all of your family to be blessed with that comfort and peace that only our Savior can give at this time, knowing that Jerry’s was a life well lived and that he was loved. With our loving sympathy,
Chuck and Jennifer Adair
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