Jerry D. Umphres, 88

Jerry D. Umphres, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away July 13, 2020, at Hospice House, at age 88. Jerry was born in Hondo, Texas, to Althea (Cavitt) and Johnny Umphres, on Dec. 26, 1931. Jerry worked with his dad on various large ranches in the area.

Jerry married Constance Ross, in Albuquerque, N.M., on May 14, 1976, at the home of her maternal grandmother. They made their home in Los Alamos, N.M., where both were employed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. They were blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Jolie Danielle, on Dec. 13, 1977.

Jerry served his nation in the Marine Corps as part of the United Nations Troops in the Korean War. He also served in Cuba and stateside. His post-military career found Jerry entering the infant electronics field, working at NASA on the Apollo Project, with Drummond on early drone projects and eventually, to Los Alamos, as a senior technologist working on Antares Project and eventually as a safety officer. He retired from the Laboratory in 1993, moving to the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, area in 1997, to enjoy the lakes and wildlife.

Jerry had numerous artifacts from his archaeological adventures. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, working as a reservist for Idaho Fish and Game for a number of years, and was named Reservist of the Year several times. A member of Los Alamos Pajarito Lodge No. 66 AF&AM, achieving the 32nd degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ, USA, at the Santa Fe Lodge of Perfection. He served several terms as Rainbow Dad and received the Grand Cross of Color. Jerry joined the Los Alamos Chapter #63, Order of the Eastern Star in 1997. Jerry was a life-time member of the Southern Baptist Church and shared his love for the Lord daily.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Billy. Survivors include his wife, Connie of the home; Jerry D. Umphres Jr. (Mary) of San Diego; Dana Whitehorn-Umphres (Lynn) of Albuquerque; and Jolie Umphres Wenglikowski (Levi) of Coeur d’Alene; five grandchildren: Raphael Umphres, Gabrielle Umphres, Taylor Wenglikowski, Zakry Wenglikowski and Adilyn Wenglikowski; sister, Barbara Parks (JT) of Temple, Texas; and niece, Tracey Marchbanks (Paul) of California. A special friend and brother-in-law, Clyde Hooten, Jr., also survives.

Jerry will be remembered for his work ethic, kindness, story-telling, and ability to find humor in the strangest situations. A celebration of life service will be held at a date to be announced later, due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements.