Winfred Jerold Kilgore

Winfred “Jerold” Kilgore joined our Heavenly Father December 26th, 2022 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 93 in Phoenix, Arizona. He is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Mary M. (Hardin) Kilgore and five children; Jerold Kilgore (Debbie), Steven Kilgore (Selene), Lecia (Kilgore) Schulte (Daniel), Tommy Kilgore (Kellie), and Ronald Kilgore (Charlene), 12 Grandchildren; Terrel, Shannon, Russell, Daniele, Candace, Maegann, Steven, Christopher, Corrin, Aaron, Cody, and Amanda, 20 Great Grandchildren; Katelynn, Jacob, Abbygale, Sydnee, Raeli, Nolan, Joseph, Zachary, Bridget, Payton, Bryce, Ethan, Nathan, Athan, Jamison, Debbie, Able, Sierra, Jourdan, and Brianna, and 2 Great Great Grandchildren; Athena, and Ryan.

Born November 10, 1929 in Moberly, Missouri to Lowry H. Kilgore and Jenny Evelyn (Frazier). Jerold was the eldest of eleven children, Billy Galahn, Walahn, Faye, Maudell, James “Jim”, Lowry “Jr”, Sharon, Donald “Ducky”, Karen. His younger years spent on the family farm in Huntsville and member of F.F.A., graduated Huntsville High School in 1949 and was president of his graduating class and president of the Student Council. He enlisted in the Navy from 1950 to 1955. He was stationed at Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida, assigned to Aircraft Carrier Coral Sea. He was an aircraft mechanic and part-time shipmate barber. He received a Good Conduct Medal and Korean Service Medal. He was also assigned to Cecil Pilot Training Center for three years and played basketball and softball for the Navel Team. During service, dad and mom married December 22nd, 1951. After leaving service he returned to Missouri where Jerold attended Missouri University for three years, then worked for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1961, they had 5 children and resided in the Maryvale area. Dad retired twice, once from G.E. / Honeywell after 25 years, then from the Cartwright District as Head Custodian of Glenn L. Downs Elem. after 9 years. They attended church at 35th Ave. Baptist Church, Osborn Rd. Baptist and then Thomas Rd. Baptist Church. They were both very active in church functions and Jerold held various positions, taught Sunday school, helped wherever needed and was superintendent at Bible School. Jerold loved sports and made his children pick a sport, any sport, but felt this was so important and offered many life lessons to his children i.e. Teamwork, perseverance, leadership, friendship, and can “keep kids from getting into trouble” as dad would say. Jerold usually played pitcher positions, as did many of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jerold loved sports of all kinds, track and field events and baseball through his high school years, to his hometown city league, his years in the Navy, work career and various church sport teams. He also was an assistant little league coach for several years. He played Jewish harp, harmonica, spoons and occasional comb and paper! He loved to read, go fishing, camping and had a couple different boats. He loved exploring Arizona and camping with his 5 children which gave mom a little break from us kids. Traveling in their R.V. in their later years, making memories with new friends, family and spending time with their old ones. Jerold will always be known for his love of Jesus, Wife, Family, Children, and Bread! He will live in the hearts and minds of the people he loved and whom loved him for eternity. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Until we meet again rejoice with our lord.

Visitation will be held 9:30 AM, Friday January 13th, 2023 at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 W. Beardsley Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85027. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM at the Funeral Home, with Committal Services to follow at 11:30 AM at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com