Gerald Wayne Names Obituary (1943 - 2015)

"Jerry" Gerald Wayne Names passed away on February 5, 2015 surrounded by his loving family after a very tough and courageous battle with a serious illness. He was born May 16, 1943 in Phoenix, Arizona and grew up in Mishawaka, IN. In 1960, at the age of 17, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany, a country and culture he grew very fond of. While in the Air Force, he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was active throughout his life and served in various positions including Elders Quorum President. After leaving the Air Force, he moved to Provo, Utah where he enlisted in the Utah Air National Guard and attended Brigham Young University, graduating in 1970 with a degree in German. While at BYU he met Jerilyn Fuhriman and they were married in 1968. Together they had five children whom they raised in Murray, Utah. They later divorced in 2000. Jerry made a career as a gifted computer programmer. He had many interests and passions that he pursued in life. He loved writing, and wrote and published two novels. One of his biggest passions in life was coaching, especially his five children, in softball, baseball, football, and basketball. He was an avid BYU football and basketball fan and a football season ticket holder for over 30 years. Other interests and passions of his were cooking, photography, and studying history. He was an amazing storyteller, never short of a story or joke to share with his family, friends, and acquaintances. More than anything, he loved his children and grandchildren; they all brought so much joy and happiness into his life. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, whom he married in 2012; his loving children, Kathy (Randy), Cynthia, David (Tara), Eric (Valerie), Megan; ten grandchildren; brothers, Larry, Charles; sisters, Patricia O'Neal, Glenda Walters, Donna Jones, Tommie Jones, and Peggy Lancaster. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lois; two grandchildren, Shane and Joshua; brothers, Wesley, Jack, Byron and sister, Charlotte. A viewing will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2015, 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State Street. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at the Riverside 7th Ward, 500 W. Germania Ave. (5100 S.) Murray, with a viewing 1 hour prior to funeral services. Interment: Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 S. Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.jenkins-soffe.com. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray 4760 So. State Street Murray, UT 84107