Jerry Gene Jetton

Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Jerry Gene Jetton (U.S. Navy Retired), age 84, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 25, 2017 surrounded and supported by both family and the staff of SAMMC/BAMC. Jerry graduated locally from Sam Houston High School and was the team’s football quarterback during his junior and senior years. Jerry’s last active duty call for service came at age 55 when he was asked to serve during the Persian Gulf Crisis as a Chief Radioman aboard a U.S. Navy Fast Frigate ship, the USS Sides, escorting oil tankers through the Persian Gulf keeping them safe from mines and attacks.

He was a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather and is survived by his wife, Charlotte Weed Jetton of 60 years, 2 sons Kevin (Yolie) and Keith (Nancy), 3 grandchildren: Kimberly (Tony) Wilson, Jennifer Jetton (fiancée Nick Deshaies), Andrew (Ashley) Jetton and 4 great grandchildren: Parker & Trenton Wilson along with Logan & Mason Jetton along with his beloved dog Ebenezer and Snowflake the cat.

Jerry served the U.S. Navy for 42 years as active duty sailing around the world, the reserves, a recruiter and a career counselor. Once his active duty days were over, he remained in the San Antonio area throughout his lifetime working for such organizations as United Gas Pipeline (for 17 years where he met his long-time wife Charlotte no less), Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Southwest, Handy Andy Grocery Company, Great Southern Life Insurance Company and Sears.

He was a long-time member of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church and served as a member of the church usher team for decades. He also volunteered his time to the local Boy Scouts of America Alamo Area Council as a Cub Packmaster, Webelos den leader and assistant scout master and a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, Red Cross/Care-mobile Driver for 10 years, Memorial Services Detachment (MSD) for 15 years, United Methodist Campers Projects and more. His hobbies and interests included Square Dancing for over 25 years, Camping and RV’ing for over 13 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents Euell and Helen Jetton and his brother, Howard “Leon” Jackson who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.

The family will host a visitation from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78218. Interment will be at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with a private service for family on Wednesday, February 1st with Navy honors.