Mr. Jerry Dean McDonald

Jerry Dean McDonald was brought to us on August 11, 1936, in Sperry, Ok. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1957, and was honorably discharged in 1961. Jerry lived in Tranquillity, Ca. with his wife Judy Champion McDonald. Jerry went to fly with the angels on Wednesday, January 1, 2014.

He was owner/operator of Western Ag Aviation Inc., his crop dusting business for over 50 years. Jerry also was an Air Racer, Big Red #5, a restored World War II A-T6 fighter was his pride and joy. He participated in the Reno Air Races for over 25 years, he also raced in Mojave, Oregon, and Phoenix. After his retirement from racing, he continued to help with the Reno Air Race organization, even this last September, he was doing gate patrol. Jerry was a Member of Quiet Birdman, California Agricultural Aircraft Association, and served as President for that Organization. He was also a member of the NRA, AOPA, NAAA, RARA. His love to fly was only one of his many. Family, Friends, Golfing, Fishing, Traveling, Reading, and of course his cigars.

His life was full and those that weren't family, shortly became family. Special thanks to Optimal Hospice Care; and the Girls, Josette, Aunt Pauline and Cheri, Betty and Lola.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers; and his first wife Jean.

Jerry is survived by his wife Judy; his three children, Joanna, Regina and husband Stephen, Martin and wife Sandra; and sister Donna. There are many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Thursday, January 9, 2014, at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Fresno Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Remembrances be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Ks. 66675, (855) 448-3997 or go to WoundedWarriorProject.org/Donate