Nov. 19, 1950 — June 21, 2014

On Saturday, June 21, 2014, Jerry L. Parker passed away doing what he loved most: flying airplanes.

He was born Nov. 19, 1950, to James Leroy and June Marie Parker (Roberts) in Dowagiac.

He graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1969 and attended Southwestern Michigan College and took various courses in aviation and electronics throughout the years.

Jerry served our country in the Air Force, including the Strategic Air Command, the Army and NASA.

He participated in various military operations, some of which were located in Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. He was also a freelance electronic engineer working in various global locations.

His last employment was at Attitude Aviation as an airframe and power plant technician.

He worked on special projects including airshow aircraft, BD-5 record setting projects, was a specialist in high performance aircraft and frequently assisted with maintenance on high-performance aerobatic jets: this was his dream job.

He also loved drawing and working on cars.

Survived by: Alycia D. (Chris) Woods, Judith R.E. Parker, James L. Parker, Angela R. Parker, Jule L.D. Parker and Jon D. (Raquel) Parker in addition to other brothers and sisters. As well as three children: Kelly, Sean and Anicia; two grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

A military funeral honors ceremony will be held Saturday July 19, at the Attitude Aviation airplane hangar in Livermore, California, followed by a celebration of life for Jerry.

He will be laid to rest among the honored veterans at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery Santa Nella California.