Gerald LaVaughn Templer

Gerald LaVaughn Templer, age 93, passed away February 3, 2021 at Bethesda Gardens in Monument, Colorado. He was born on May 20,1927 in Madison, Kansas to Ernest S. Templer and Effie A. Harris Templer. He attended the University of Kansas and served in the Navy in WWII in Guam.

Gerald “Jerry” and Colleen H. Highfill were married on June 27, 1948. They raised their three children in Fort Collins, Colorado where Jerry worked in sales in the oil and gas industry for over 40 years and retired from Allen Plumbing and Heating in 2004. They were members of the Faith Evangelical Free Church in Fort Collins. Jerry served as an elder at First Christian Church for 14 years. Together Jerry and Colleen served in missions at the church beginning in 1980. They also served on a Young Life committee for many years.

Jerry was a “praying man”. Every morning, Jerry and Colleen would pray for their family. Family members could hear them saying, “Amen.” He then sat in his purple chair reading from his Bible. He would memorize and underline verses to support different events that happened with the family. In his later years, he would hold hands and sing hymns with his wife before taking their naps. He would hum the hymn, “Be Thou My Vision” while walking down the hall. He truly walked the walk. He was faithful, steady, and a constant Christian influence in their home. Life-long friends have quoted Mathew 25:23 to his family. “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”

Jerry was the “best spectator”. He and Colleen never missed an event while their children were in high school and college. They were in the audience and you could always spot them. They continued this tradition with their grandchildren’s events in Texas, South Carolina, and Alaska.

Jerry was a “true gentleman”. He set the stage for generations through his example of how to love, abide, and honor his spouse. Even in the last weeks of his life, he would hold the door open for the aides who took care of him and he always told them “thank you” for the care he received.

Jerry was an “encourager”. He would stop what he was doing when his children and grandchildren were around. He would come over and sit beside them, put his hand on their knees, and give them his time. Grandson, Brad Conley, remembers the hours they spent together putting together model airplanes and building a tree fort. “Every time I've heard 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 with the words…is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not self-seeking, not easily angered, rejoices in truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes…I’ve thought, that’s my Grandpa.”

Jerry and Colleen were married for 72 years. He was preceded in death by Colleen, who passed away April 14, 2020, and by his brothers Bob Templer and Gary Templer, his sister Betty Templer Schmidlapp, and his grandson, Michael Ryan Conley.

Surviving children include Sharon Trout (Alex), Marganne Pearce (Mark), and Tom Templer (Jerri). Surviving grandchildren include grandson Brad Conley (Lisa) with children Reed Colleen, Gage Templer, and Ty Nichole, grandson Shane Pearce (Kim), and grandson Jack Templer. Surviving granddaughters include Haley McCollister (Chappell), Amanda Kuhns (Wes) with son Mackensie Augustus, Jamie James (Andrew), and Mattie Colbert (Clif) with son, Bennett Von.

Family members would like to thank Bethesda Gardens staff and Hospice for the intimate care Jerry received. In remembrance of Jerry Templer’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Abode Hospice 5465 Mark Dabling Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918.

Funeral arrangements were made by Swan-Law, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jerry was interned at Fort Logan National Cemetery on February 11, 2021 alongside his wife.

Due to the pandemic a memorial service will be held at a later date.