Gerald Ross King, son of Roscoe and Rose King of Canton/Kleberg, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Gerald was born on August 29, 1932 and spent the last 48 years in Sierra Vista. Gerald (known as “Jerry” to his friends) joined the Army as a 16-year-old in November 1948.
He served as an MP at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was then assigned to the Constabulary for border patrol in West Germany. In the nearby town of Hof, he met his beloved Erika, his wife of 61 years who preceded him in death in 2015. Gerald served 22 years of active duty as a soldier on various tours, including two hardship tours in Korea and Vietnam, and retired as a Command Sergeant Major of the 11th Signal Group.
He received numerous commendations including two clusters of the Legion of Merit. Gerald went into Civil Service in 1972 and was proud to work on major communications projects for the Army for the next 33 years, overseeing a worldwide infrastructure for critical communication strategies in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait and spent many, many TDYs as a civilian. Jerry served as Chief of G-3 plans at Greely Hall, Fort Huachuca, retiring as a GS-15.
Under the order of the Secretary of the Army, he received the Exceptional Civilian Service Medal in 2005. In addition to his long service career, Jerry attended eight years of night school and completed his Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Arizona. He graduated in 1977 summa cum laude.
Off-time was spent officiating Army, high school, and junior college football, basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball games for 31 years. “The only thing I haven’t officiated at is tiddlywinks”, he used to joke. Also, when he wasn’t working on numerous home renovation projects with his wife, Erika, other past times included stamp collecting (vintage and mint series) and coin collecting.
Jerry was a devoted husband and took care of his wife, Erika, who had dementia for 10 years. Erika’s dedicated caregivers continued their care and support when Jerry himself became ill. His greatest pride was his three children: Barbara Binder (husband Michael), Eileen Ember (significant other Jesse McMahan), and Christopher whom he lovingly nurtured throughout their adult lives as evidenced by their very close relationship with their father.
He also took great joy in his 5 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Clifford (Tommy) King, and sisters-in-law Jeanette King and Mary O’Brien along with the King clan in Texas. Jerry’s faith and devotion to his Lord Jesus Christ was paramount and guided his life-long work ethic and treatment of others.
He enjoyed worshipping with his Prosser Village Chapel family on Fort Huachuca and felt it his duty to fellowship with young troops in their walk with the Lord. Jerry always wanted to make a difference and hoped to hear “Well done thou good and faithful servant”. Those left behind will miss his love, kindness, wisdom, and sense of humor.
On Eagles’ Wings: And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His hand. A memorial service, with Chaplain (Captain) Jason Seaman officiating, will be held at Shiloh Christian Ministries, 1519 Avenida Del Sol, Sierra Vista, AZ, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 14. A full color guard will be present.
A light reception will follow at the church. Jerry’s cremains will be interred at the Fort Huachuca Post Cemetery with family present later that afternoon. Funeral arrangements by Jensen’s Sierra Vista Mortuary, 5515 S. Hwy 92, Sierra Vista, AZ.
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