Gerald Lee Poe, 81, of Sandy, Utah, passed away on Oct. 19, 2023, after a long battle with kidney disease.
Jerry was born June 25, 1942, in Bisbee, Ariz., the eldest son of Leon Frank Poe and Laphrona Williams Shugart.
He was employed by the U.S. Forest Service for 29 years and lived in multiple places, such as Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Nebraska, and Colorado. His favorite place was Paradise Valley, Nev., where he lived and worked on a ranch for four years.
Jerry was passionate about horse racing, and he was never happier than when he was in nature. He had many hobbies, including rockhounding, hunting, fishing, birdwatching, writing stories, and making jewelry. He made beautiful earrings, bracelets, and necklaces for family and friends. His jewelry will be a cherished reminder of his love for all those in his life.
In 2017, Jerry moved to Utah to be closer to some of his children and grandchildren. He treasured spending time with his family most of all. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, and sharing his life stories with anyone he came across. He loved talking about his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. He was so proud of all of them.
Jerry served in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army from Sept. 7, 1967, to July 4, 1969, earning a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Bronze Star. He was Honorably discharged in 1973.
Jerry was a 1960 graduate of Superior High School in Superior, Ariz. He also studied at the University of Arizona and earned a bachelor’s degree in Range Management.
Jerry is survived by his five children: Levi (Miklyn) Poe of Guthrie, Okla.; Justin (Andrea) Poe of Lehi, Utah; Renee Poe of Sandy, Utah; Tanner (Julie) Poe of Sandy, Utah; and Lara (Banny) Umar of San Antonio, Texas. Jerry is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Camryn, Clayton, Jaxon, Alivia, Journi, Avalyn, Nico, Max, Oliver, Marley, TJ, Troy, Riya, Kenna, Avren, and one nephew, Iric Burden.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marsha Burden.
Private Family Services will be held. His final resting place will be in the mountains of Paradise Valley, Nev.
We want to give a special thanks to Valeo Home Health and Hospice for their exceptional care of our dad during his final days.
