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!”