Jerry F. Moore, 83, passed away at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Lakeland, Florida on Monday, April 29, 2019.  Jerry was born July 6, 1935 in Bicknell, Indiana.

Jerry served in the United States Air Force for 22 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant on September 1, 1975.  He worked as the bookkeeper for Closner Construction from 1975 to 1985. After their retirement, Jean Ann and Jerry wintered in Texas and Florida, moved briefly to Princeton, Indiana, until finally settling in Lakeland, Florida.  While he was in his 60's, and into his 70's Jerry (mostly) enjoyed walking more than 14 half marathons with his best friend Tom Sowder and sometimes his daughters and grandkids.

Jean Ann and Jerry were married on April 27, 1957 after they met while he was stationed to assist in the opening of K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base.  During their 62 years of marriage, they raised four daughters, while being stationed in Anchorage, Alaska; Joliet, Illinois; K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Gwinn, until finally settling in Ishpeming, Michigan to raise their family.

Jerry is survived by daughters Mary Sue Moore of Fort Worth, Texas, Pam (Don) Korpi, Cathy Moore and Ardith Moore all of Marquette, Michigan; grandchildren Melissa Wood, Tia (Dan) Norman, David (Jaime) Korpi, and Jessica (Chris) Warner; great grandchildren Gage and Tyler Wood and Cydney and Emilia Warner – all of whom he was so proud and loved dearly.  He is also survived by Tom (Ann) Sowder of Mount Dora, Florida – his best friend and brother for over 70 years whom he talked to almost every day.  If Tom and Jerry were together, there was sure to be stories (some true) and really good belly laughs.  No one could make Jerry laugh like Tom and vice versa.  He is also survived by his brother Butch and sister Ardith.

He was preceded in death by his very special aunt, Betty Crawford, his very dear friend Alice Sowder, his parents, and a brother.

A private military service for Jean Ann and Jerry was held on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at the Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home at Serenity Gardens in Lakeland, Florida, where cremation took place.

A public service will be held at Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home, 400 N. Third Street, Ishpeming, Michigan on Sunday, July 28, 2019 with Rev. Daniel Ondov to officiate.  The family with greet relatives and friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 2:00 p.m.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Jean Ann and Jerry's neighbors and special friends, Mary and Walt Walkowski, for their friendship when Jean Ann and Jerry first moved into the neighborhood and for their unlimited caretaking during their illnesses –  they were and continue to be a comfort and a blessing to the family.  The family would also like to thank the Good Shephard Hospice House staff who treated Jerry with respect and dignity during his final hours and provided a room for him right next to Jean Ann's so they could be near each other until the end.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good Shephard Hospice House, 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805 or the hospice of their choice.

A recording of Jerry's service may be listed to here.