Jerry Albert Boyd

Jerry Albert Boyd, age 86, passed peacefully of natural causes, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in Valley Center, Kansas. He was born on May 4, 1938, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, son of the late Forrest F. and Alice E. (Blum) Boyd and brother to Vera and Vicki.

Ypsilanti, a suburb of Detroit, was known for its contributions of 8,000 B-24 bombers in World War II. Perhaps growing up in an aircraft town and after graduating from Ypsilanti High School, Jerry set his sights on what the town he grew up in knew and he used this knowledge and drive to go forward and attain 46 years at United Beechcraft in Wichita, KS, before retiring.

During this time, he found the one to spend his life with. He met, married, and welcomed two children, Michael and Anthony “Tony”, with Kathryn (Streicher). They were happily married for 20 years before divorcing. After taking some time, he was happily surprised to meet Shirley Howe with whom he and his family spent the next 28 years building memories with.

Jerry was interested in aircraft so much so, he and his new bride ‘Kaye’ moved to Augusta after marriage, to pursue a career in aircraft. He did this with the help of his uncle, Albert Guy, who had a shop that fabricated aircraft parts (and knew the aircraft industry ‘big wigs’).

Being easy going and meticulous, Jerry used his keen eye when collecting model cars, clocks, stamps and coins. He was also thankful for the opportunity to take in the ever-changing beauty of the U.S. as he and Shirley traveled it extensively and the sereness that came with the many cruises he took, allowed for vivid stories to share when he returned home.

A life lived in color, never to be forgotten.

Survived by his son, Mike (Evangelina) Boyd; grandson, Drew (Becky) Boyd; granddaughters: Cindy Rowsey, Laura Morales, and Raina Boyd, and great-grandchildren: Ashley, Anabelle, Alex, and Addison Boyd; Noelani and Neosomi Rowsey, and Necalli and Navleen Navaretti; and sister, Vicki Boyd.

Those who he has now joined include: his parents; wife, Kathryn; companion, Shirley; son, Tony, and sister, Vera Oyer.

A graveside service for Jerry will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, in the Rose Garden, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.

Reception following at Mike and Evangelina’s home at 215 S. Sheridan Ave., Valley Center.

As an expression of sympathy, the family has designated contributions in Jerry’s honor be made to:

Kansas Humane Society: 3313 N. Hillside St., Wichita, Kansas 67219, https://kshumane.org/ and/or the Wounded Warrior Project: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516