Gerald D. Flowers

Born in a farmhouse near Minot, North Dakota on March 19, 1932, Jerry was the oldest of 11 children. He relocated to Santa Barbara, CA with his family in 1936 where he spent most of his childhood. It was here that he developed his work ethic at a young age delivering newspapers, setting pins at the local bowling alley, and volunteering for any odd job that came his way. In 1946, Jerry moved to Spokane, WA with his father where he attended high school. Jerry enlisted in the Army in 1949 and received his basic training with the 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Ord. During his military career, Jerry served in several different capacities. Following advanced training as an electrician at the Army Engineer School, he was assigned to the 43rd Engineer Construction Battalion in Japan. In February, 1952, Jerry was accepted into the Armor Officers Candidate School at Fort Knox, KY and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in August, 1952. He served in several armored assignments including the operations officer of the 761st Tank Battalion, 3rd Armored Division; platoon leader of the 12th Tank Company, 196th Infantry Regiment, executive officer 24th Reconnaissance Company, 24th Infantry Division, and command of Company A and later Headquarters Company, 81st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Armored Division. In 1958, he transferred to the Army Signal Corps where he held various positions in electronic intelligence positions at Ft. Monmouth, NJ and Japan (command of USASOU 24 and USASRU 4), Korea (command of USASOU 25),Okinawa (signal officer, IX Corps), Thailand (signal officer, U.S. Army Headquarters), Taiwan(signal officer, Taiwan Defense Command) and Ft.Ord, CA (Ft. Ord Signal Office). He retired from the U.S. Army at Ft. Ord, CA in January, 1972 as a Lt. Colonel with numerous military awards and commendations. Jerry was very proud of his military service, having served during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He believed strongly in supporting our troops and veterans and continued to donate funds and participate in several veterans organizations including the Monterey V.F.W. Post 1629, Monterey D.A.V. Post 85, Seaside’s American Legion Post 591, and the Military Officer’s of America Association (MOAA). Jerry also maintained his connection to the military through his regular attendance at the Ord Community Chapel and enjoyed worshiping with fellow veterans and military families.

Following Jerry’s retirement, he earned a California Teaching Credential and a Master’s of Education from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. He then began a 32-year career as a teacher and vice principal at Palma School where he found great joy in teaching. He was dedicated to the faculty, staff, and most importantly, the students of Palma. He was frequently the first in the office and the last out. Jerry was a faithful Chieftains fan and could be found in the bleachers at just about any sporting event. He never hesitated to help a student or to perform extra duties on campus. In the evenings between 1974 and 1997, Jerry also taught a U.S. citizenship class at the Monterey Adult School. He enjoyed learning about different cultures and felt a great duty to provide immigrants with a path to citizenship. Over the years, Jerry has stayed in touch with many of his citizenship students and always expressed delight with their success stories.

After Jerry’s retirement from Palma School in June, 2005, he logged thousands of hours as a volunteer for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Community Hospital of Monterey, and the Monterey County Veteran’s Office. For his service to the V.A., Jerry was named Monterey County Veteran of the Year in 2010. Jerry loved serving the Monterey community and always spoke highly of his fellow volunteers. He often told stories after his shifts about the children he helped at the touch pools or the high school volunteers he trained for the reception desk at CHOMP. He felt privileged to assist visitors and patients at the hospital and volunteered to work the desk on holidays so that they would continue to receive the help they needed. Jerry also enjoyed driving the VA shuttle to the Veteran’ Hospital in Palo Alto every Wednesday and felt a special connection with his passengers. As his health deteriorated, he agonized over the decision to step away from these organizations that he grew to love over the years.

Jerry is survived by two daughters and their families: Vicki and Stan Cooper of Salinas, CA and their daughter, Hana; and Terre and John Jolly of Lake Elsinore, CA. and their children, Tommy Jolly (Stacy), Kathleen Jolly, and Melinda Jolly and nine great –grandchildren. He also leaves behind three brothers: Jim, Roger, and Tom Flowers of San Diego, CA and one sister, Holly Jarrett of Wisconsin, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Jerry loved his family very much and enjoyed spending as much time possible with them.

Jerry lost his beloved wife of 40 years, Tokiko Takahashi Flowers, on July 28, 2005. They met in Chitose, Japan when she was working as a U.S. Army communications specialist and were married in Tokyo on June 10, 1965. He loved attending all the Japanese community events with her and continued to hold a membership with the Monterey chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League and was an honorary member of the Chado Urasenke Tankokai (a tea ceremony association). Jerry and Toki shared a special bond, and he recently remarked that if you found true love the way he had, you should never let it go. Jerry is also preceded in death by his parents: Harvey J. Flowers and Marie A. (Owens) Maynard; three brothers: Richard, Larry, and Bill and three sisters: Patricia, Barbara, and Diane.

Jerry’s family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Christopher Oh of Central Coast Cardiology, Dr. Evangelina Martinez of Peninsula Primary Care, the Monterey County VNA/Hospice and their entire staff for their care and compassion.

Arrangements will be provided by the Paul Mortuary in Pacific Grove. Visitation will take place at the Paul Mortuary on Monday, August 31, 2015 from 4-7 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at the Palma School Chapel in Salinas on Saturday, September 12 at 1:00 p.m.. In keeping with Jerry’s wishes, a private interment ceremony will be held at the San Carlos Catholic Cemetery in Monterey, CA.

Remembrances are preferred to the Palma School Foundation Scholarship Fund, the Notre Dame High School Foundation Scholarship Fund, or to any of the organizations Jerry served during his retirement.