Jerry Benjamin Milhoan

Jerry Benjamin Milhoan passed away on August, 22, 2016. He was born on Dec. 15, 1941 in Muskogee Oklahoma to Benjamin B. Milhoan and Lois M. Milhoan, nee Adams. The family moved to Pryor, Oklahoma shortly afterward so that his father could support the war effort by working in the rapidly expanding local munitions industry. After the war ended, his father worked as a commercial artist until he died suddenly when Jerry was 9 years old. Despite his youth, Jerry stepped into a roll normally played by a person of more advanced age, guiding and encouraging his younger brother, assisting his mother in the home and by mowing lawns to supplement the family income.

He received a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics from the University of Tulsa and cut short his Physics Masters Degree studies at the University of Oklahoma when the opportunity to join NASA at the Johnson Space Center arose. His NASA career began in June, 1966 and was initially focused on the development and commissioning of the Mission Control Center. Throughout his 50 years of service at NASA Jerry made many friends and witnessed many of the amazing accomplishments of the space agency. His mother moved to Houston in the 1980s and Jerry continued his devoted service to his mother until her passing. In 1973 he was married to his lovely wife, Judith L. Milhoan, nee Gardner, to whom he remained steadfastly devoted until his death. They were partners in supporting many charities; especially for the protection of animal wild life. Jerry and his wife were also dedicated to the wellbeing and accomplishments of Amy and Rachel Buckler. He is survived by his wife, brother, James Milhoan, sister-in law, Marie Milhoan, brother-in law, Rob Gardner and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sept. 1 from 6 to 8 pm, with main funeral services on Sept. 2 3:00pm at Forest Park East, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas. Reception to follow.