Jerry Rea

Jerry Allen Rea MT. PLEASANT--Jerry Allen Rea, age 71, returned to his Heavenly Father May 21, 2009. Jerry was born February 20, 1938 in Eureka, UT, one of five children born to Robert and Wanda Evans Rea. Jerry grew up and attended school in the Hermosa Beach area of California. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963. He also served in the Merchant Marines from 1964 to 1965. Jerry met Maria Peel in Grand Junction, CO, they were married in Rangeley, CO on February 21, 1981. They moved to Washington State in 1986 to take care of Jerry's mother. While in Washington, Jerry joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their marriage was solemnized in 1989 in the Portland Oregon LDS Temple. In 1991 they moved to Mt. Pleasant, where they have enjoyed living close to Maria's Family. Jerry was a very talented individual; he worked as a carpet installer for over 45 years. He enjoyed working with wood, and became very efficient at it, making numerous pieces of furniture and other collectibles. Jerry also learned the art of a rock mason, as is evidenced by his home. He also enjoyed spending time at the ocean, be it surfing in his younger years or just enjoying the calming affect later in life. Jerry also enjoyed flying, receiving his pilot's license and having his own plane. The gospel of Jesus Christ was very important to Jerry. He enjoyed talking about it with others, and he served in numerous callings including a stake missionary, where he was over the substance abuse program. The highlight of Jerry's life was working in the Manti Temple with his wife for 13 years as an ordinance worker. Jerry will be remembered as a hard working, loving man who always enjoyed helping others, and who loved his family. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Maria of Mt. Pleasant; children: Robin (Norman) Thurston of Vancouver, WA, and Cindy of WA; two sons: Robert and Roger; five grandchildren: Casey, Emily, Stephanie, Crystal and Kristina; mother-in-law: Sybil Peel of Mt. Pleasant; brother: Jim (Sandy) Rea of Cottonwood, AZ; sister: Jeanne (Art) Valencia of Exeter, CA. and many other extended family members. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Boyd and Dennis; father-in-law: Grant W. Peel and brothers-in-law: Grant, Matson and Steve Peel. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 12:00 noon at the Mt. Pleasant LDS 5th Ward Chapel. There will be a viewing at the church Tuesday, May 26, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:45-11:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Interment will be at the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery with Military Honors provided by VFW Post 9276. Services are in the care of Steven Furner of Fausett Mortuary, Castle Dale. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fausettmortuary.com.