Jerry D. Horne, age 70, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2020. He was born February 5, 1950 in Littlefield, Texas to Vivian Gray and William Alfred Horne. Jerry was raised in Henderson, Nevada with his siblings: Sue, Betty, Debbie, Billy, Rick, Bobby and Mike. He was outgoing, energetic, and had a lively imagination and an enthusiasm for life. As a child, Jerry took part in baseball, wrestling, and boxing; and was a member of Boys Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing with friends and riding motorcycles. Jerry attended his first 2 years of high school at Basic High School, before graduating from VoTech High School in 1968. Jerry continued his education with the Operating Engineers Local 12, where he would learn his trade operating heavy equipment.
On December 17, 1968, Jerry would make his life complete; when he and his young bride, Cheryl Kay Smith, would marry at a private civil wedding in Henderson, Nevada. Little did they know at the time that they would embarq on an adventure that would span over the next 52 years. The couple were blessed with three children: Dwayne, Brian and Carl; and later in life would be blessed with four grandchildren: Tyler, Chase, Spencer and Kayde.
At work, as in life, Jerry was a real “people person.” He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Jerry was a hard worker, devoted to his trade, and an excellent problem solver. He worked as a heavy duty mechanic, where he was employed for 22 years at the Nevada Testsite and 4 years at Wells Cargo.
Jerry was a loving husband, and devoted father and grandfather; whom by nature was outgoing and generous, and was regularly doing things for others. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, as a Scout master and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 50 years. His leisure time was spent taking part in various hobbies. In his younger years, Jerry enjoyed playing baseball and boxing. In high school, Jerry was a wrestler; and as an adult he liked softball, tennis and the corporate challenge. Jerry also enjoyed traveling to Oklahoma to spend time with family and taking trips to the cabin in Utah; where he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and looking for arrowheads. Jerry was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity; his favorite was supporting his favorite baseball team.
Jerry was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. One of Jerry's favorites was Cody, a little snouzer, and a great champion. They were best friends for 4 years. His family was rounded out by his dog, Jake, a cocker spaniel.
Jerry believed that you had to experience life, and his life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in 1998, Jerry took it in stride as one more way to have fun. With his boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, Jerry remained busy with people and projects. In retirement, he found new pleasure in fishing at the cabin. Even in retirement, Jerry continued to stay in touch with his old friends and, since he'd never met a stranger, he made plenty of new acquaintances as well.
Jerry brought joy to all of those around him. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Jerry D. Horne lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, William and Vivian; son, Brian; and brother, Rick. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; Children: Dwayne (Tamara) and Carl; grandchildren: Tyler, Chase, Spencer, and Kayde; and siblings: Billy, Bobby, Mike, Debbie, Sue, and Betty.
A visitation for Jerry will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2020 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM. Funeral services will begin promptly at 10:00 AM both at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 801 Arrowhead Trail, Henderson, Nevada 89002. Jerry will be laid to rest at Palm Henderson Cemetery, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, Nevada 89015.
Due to COVID-19, government restrictions will be in play requiring social distancing and the requirement for wearing masks.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Horne family.
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