Jerry Western

Obituary Jerry D. Western



Jerry Duane Western, 86, of Springville, Utah returned to his Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 19, 2020. Jerry was in the company of family when he departed this world.



Jerry was born December 27, 1933 to George Irvin and Lucy (Curtis) Western in Pomerene, Arizona. Jerry's parents divorced when he was young and Lucy remarried Arthur Chesley. Arthur's efforts to support his expanded family took them to various locations, including Washington State and Pomona, California, where Jerry graduated from high school. Jerry worked at an auto parts store after high school until he entered the United States Army in October 1956. After basic training at Ft. Lewis Washington, Jerry was sent to Korea where he served 13 months with the transitional force.



Prior to deploying to Korea, Jerry married Joan (Wilcox) whom he had met through his brother, Robert, who was serving a church mission in Joan's home town, Bridgeport, Nebraska.



After his return from military service, Jerry was hired by the Pomona, California police department. During his 15 years with that agency, Jerry served as a patrol officer, training officer and detective. During this time, he returned to school and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California Polytechnic State University.



Hoping for a better environment for his children, Jerry left police work, withdrew his retirement, and bought a small market in Logan, Utah. Unaware that the business records had been fraudulently altered to indicate a successful enterprise, Jerry, Joan, and the family struggled with the store until it was clear it could not be profitable.



Upon returning to California, Jerry, willing to work any honest job, began as a security guard for the General Dynamics company. During this time, he also applied to the Sante Fe Railroad Police Department and was hired. Due to his education, experience, and demonstrated abilities, Jerry quickly rose to the rank of lieutenant.



After retirement from the railroad police, Jerry and Joan moved to Woodland Hills, Utah, back to California, and then back to Utah again, settling in Payson.



Jerry was a High Priest in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in numerous positions including in the High Priests' Group leadership, ward clerk, and as senior missionaries with Joan at the Kirtland, Ohio visitors' center.



After Joan's passing, Jerry moved to the Ashford Assisted Living Home in Springville, UT.

Jerry was preceded in death by Joan in 2018 and by his brothers Gene, Marvin, and Robert and Sister, Verda (Adams).



Jerry is survived by four sons and one daughter

Russell Western (Joy) of Wildomar, California

Steven Western, Palm Desert, California

Kristine Wright (Ken), Salem, Utah

Rex Western, Corona, California

Jerry D. Western II, Riverton, Utah



Jerry's posterity includes 27 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Jerry is also survived by his stepsister, Anita Fishbach and Stepbrother, Ed Chesley.



Viewing:

January 6, 2021, 9:30 - 10:45 am

Spring Creek Chapel (Legacy Funerals)

737 N. Main St.

Springville, Utah



Graveside Service

January 6, 2021,11:30 am

Payson City Cemetery

400 N 800 E

Payson, Utah



For those unable to attend, the service will also be live-streamed at the Spring Creek Utah County Mortuary Facebook page, beginning at 11:30 am