Gerald John Roth

GERALD JOHN ROTH “Jerry” (Age 90) Passed from this life Friday, August 30, 2024, in Fairfax, Virginia, surrounded by his children. Jerry was born March 20, 1934, in Crystal City, Missouri, the third of four sons of Katherine and Emanuel Roth. In 1954 Jerry married his soulmate and the love of his life, Doris Buckner, of Festus, Missouri, who preceded him in death in 2005. Jerry and Doris’s life centered around family and their love of travel. Jerry is survived by his children Mark Roth and his wife Joyce of Oakton, Virginia, Debra Bouslog and her husband Russ of Bolivia, North Carolina, and Denise Sullivan and her husband Dave of Oak Hill, Virginia; his six grandchildren: Bryan Bouslog, of Redwood City, California, Jennifer Bouslog, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Katherine Whalen (Drew), of Beaufort, South Carolina, Michael Sullivan, of Herndon, Virginia, Jason Roth (Ashley), of Woodstock, Georgia and Kelly “Ann” Roth, of Oakton, Virginia; and his three great-grandchildren: Nathan Roth and Abby Kate Roth, of Woodstock, Georgia and Grady Ray Whalen, of Beaufort, South Carolina. Jerry joined the United States Air Force after graduating Crystal City High School. He served in Germany, Norway and many bases here stateside as a Meteorologist. While serving at Cocoa Beach air station, he conducted meteorological testing for the Mercury Space Program. After serving in the Air Force, Jerry returned to civilian life, and college, graduating from St. Louis University. In 1965 Jerry was recruited by the US Department of Defense and the family moved to Fairfax, Virginia. During his long career Jerry was recognized with numerous awards, including the Department’s highest civilian commendation for his contributions and achievements. At his retirement after 34 years of service, it was noted that Jerry was considered “The United States’ and NATO’s, foremost authority on Soviet military weaponry.” Jerry was an avid fan of basketball, having played on his High School Championship team and coaching in youth sports for many years. He was a talented woodworker, and all-around handyman. In retirement Jerry enjoyed woodworking, drawing, painting, boat rides on the Occoquan, playing with the grandkids and traveling the world with Doris until her passing. Jerry is remembered by family, friends and colleagues as a man of integrity with a brilliant sense of humor. Your presence we miss Your legacy we hold dear As you were You will always be Treasured forever in our memory. Visitation Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, from 6 – 8 pm at Demaine Funeral Home, 10565 Main Street, Fairfax, VA, Funeral Services Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at 11am at Demaine Funeral Home, 10565 Main Street, Fairfax, VA Private burial at Fairfax City Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Jerry’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or to Heartland Hospice at heartlandhospice.com