Obituary: Gumm, Gerald Benjamin “Jerry”, Sr.
Age 69
GUMM,
Gerald
Benjamin
“Jerry” Sr.
U.S. ARMY, MSG 3-8(P)
Jerry Gumm, of Clayton, WA, passed away on September 27, 2012 in Spokane at the age of 69.
He was born on November 20, 1942 in Colville, WA, the son of Henry and Thelma (Ford) Gumm.
Jerry was raised in Kettle Falls, WA, where he attended school and played high school football and basketball.
In 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Peters.
He entered the U.S. Army and began a 21 year career as a Combat Engineer and Paratrooper.
Jerry served multiple tours overseas including one in Korea and two in Vietnam.
He and “his troops” were extremely successful in his last mission of 13 years as the Assistant Area Commander for the Pacific NW Recruiting Command.
He was highly decorated and awarded many medals of commendation, including the Bronze Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and gold Recruiting Badge with 3 blue sapphires.
He married Barbara Van Horn in 1983 and together they operated the Hunters Inn for 20 years.
Jerry was well known for the large Easter egg hunts he held in Hunters for many years.
Jerry (aka Sarge) most recently drove the “yellow bullet” school bus for Riverside Schools where he loved “his kids”.
He had a very strong work ethic and also enjoyed farming, logging, watching the Mariners, Seahawks and Huskies.
He especially enjoyed watching his sons and grandsons playing high school football.
In 1995, Jerry and Barbara moved to Clayton and have resided there for almost 20 years.
Jerry was a man of strong character with a gruff exterior and an extremely soft heart.
He left little to question, including his love for his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandson and friends.
Although very frugal, he cared for his friends as though they were family and his home was open to those in need.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Jim Gumm and wife Jennifer, Spokane; daughters, Jeri Kaley and husband Lee, Spokane; Rebecca Hill, Spokane; Jennifer Shupe and husband Brent, Deer Park; Jessica Varang and husband Matt, Deer Park; son, Gerald “Ben” Gumm Jr., at the home; sister, Verna Clark and husband Keith, Spokane; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Pamela, Thomas, Nicholas, John, Carson, Tyler, Kristina, Lianna, Owen, Trevor, Liam, Lulu, Elayna, Shania, Roxy and Jace; great-grandson, Roman; friend, Ray Gates.
Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at the Fort Colville Grange, 157 Highway 20 East, Colville.
Graveside at Mountain View Park Cemetery, Colville, and potluck at the Grange.
Pastor Marc Curnutt will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be sent to The Fisher House Foundation to support our military and their families in need at www.fisherhouse.org. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. DANEKAS FUNERAL CHAPEL is entrusted with arrangements.