Gerald R. "Jerry" Weed

January 19, 1919 - August 24, 2014

Gerald R. "Jerry" Weed Obituary (Age 95) Sunday, August 24, 2014 our country lost a true American, soldier, hero, dad and grandpa. Jerry's journey began January 19, 1919 born to Gerald and Ruth, and soon joined by sister Barb and brother Bob. A lifelong resident of Spokane, he attended Irving Elementary, Lewis and Clark High School and Gonzaga Prep. On December 7, 1941 his life changed dramatically. He jumped to serve his country, joining up with the famed 82nd Airborne Division--a young man hardened by the depression answering the call to serve his country after Pearl Harbor. He became a member of the 505 Parachute Infantry Regiment, arguably the best parachute infantry to descend upon European battlefields during WWII. The 505 was the only regiment during WWII to make four combat jumps into Sicily, Salerno, Normandy and Holland, all within 14 months. He proudly served under General James M. Gavin and has been a close friend of Jim's daughter Barbara for many years. Jerry was a Tech Sergeant and received the Distinguished Service Medal, two Bronze Stars for bravery and two Purple Hearts. After the war he owned and operated a Pepsi Cola distributorship in Colfax, WA, owned the Carmelcorn Shop at Shadle Center, sold real estate and last managed a restaurant supply company in the Tri-Cities. He is survived by four children, Linda Costich, Patti (Bob) Rees, Jerry Weed and Bill Weed. Grandpa Weed has 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a beautiful niece Becky (Gary) Schmerer and a wonderful nephew Dalton (Debbie) Smith. Jerry has countless friends across this country and the world, but shared a special love for his friends and families of Big Sky's Tavern in Hillyard. In his final days and at his time of passing he was in the care of Manor Care. Our family cannot say enough good about the love and care all of Manor Care showed for us and our Dad. A Tribute with military honors will be held at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, Medical Lake, WA on Thursday, September 11th at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family would ask any donations go to the Wounded Warrior Foundation. All American All the Way AIRBORNE