Jerry Doolittle peacefully entered the Gates of Heaven October 14, 2019, at the age of 88. Jerry was born in Amboy, Minnesota to William Edwin and Marguerite Loretta Mann Doolitttle and was the oldest of 13 children.
Jerry's family moved to Phoenix in 1944. At the age of 16, Jerry graduated from high school and went on to obtain his Elementary Education teaching degree from Arizona State College, now known as ASU. It was during his college years that Jerry accepted Christ into his life as his personal Savior.
In 1951, Jerry enlisted in the Army during the Korean War, however, not before meeting the love of his life, Pennie An Hartley. Upon Jerry's return from the Korean War, they married in 1955 and had two children, Stephen And Karen.
For 31 years, Jerry taught sixth grade and coached many sports at Sunnyslope Elementary School. Although, he was known to be a strict disciplinarian, he cared deeply for his students and strove to help each of them to succeed. Some students have remained in contact with him throughout the years.
Jerry also worked for Phoenix Grayhound Park and the State of Arizona Racing Commission for over 50 years in various capacities. Upon his retirement, he was recognized as one of the longest ever employed by the Arizona Racing Commission.
Jerry and his family lived in Pocatello, Idaho each summer, where Jerry was the Mutual Manager for the Pocatello Downs Horse Racing and later for the Wyoming Downs Horse Racing. In all, they spent 36 summers in Pocatello, making many lasting friendships.
Although, Jerry suffered from Alzheimer's for the past nine years, he remained kind and loving and never forgot his true love, Pennie.
Jerry will always be remembered for his easy going personality, his overwhelming kindness and his giving spirit. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren deeply, and they him.
He leaves behind his wife, Pennie, of 64 years, his daughter, Karen Lewis and daughter-in-law, Mary DeElena; his grandchildren: Robert Lewis, Jr., Candice Verville (Mike), and Cassey Hutson (Coty); his great grandchildren: Dolci, Dexton and Deacon Verville and Taylor, Hunter and Archie Hutson; and five siblings: Naida Anglin (Bob), Butch (Barb), Skeeter (Pat), Lane (Lynn) and Rhonda Jetton. Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Edwin Doolittle, both parents and seven siblings: Ronnie, Gail, Lawrence, Marlys Martz, Sandra Carter, Joel, and Lance.
Greenwood/Memory Lawn Mortuary
719 N. 27 Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85009
Viewing: Tuesday, October 22nd, 1-4 PM
Funeral: Wednesday, October 23, 11:00 AM with Military Honors
Graveside Services: Immediately Following
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
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