Jerry Lee Jakeway was born May 20, 1948, on his parents’ ranch southeast of Kadoka, the son of Charles and Sarah (Rooks) Jakeway. He grew up on the ranch and graduated from Kadoka High School in 1966. As a young man he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War. He served in the 1st Infantry Division and then served with the Robin Hood Assault Helicopters as a gunner. He was honorably discharged on January 11, 1970, with two purple hearts and a silver star.
He returned to Kadoka and was united in marriage to Debrah Horst on July 2, 1971, and to this union was born a daughter Jenee. They made their home in Interior where Jerry worked for the railroad for seven years. He then moved to Kadoka where he worked for Burns Brothers Truck Stop for twenty years, as a mechanical technician.
Jerry met Diane Wilson on July 4, 1980 and they have been dedicated to each other since. Jerry was a dedicated father to Eliel Poor Bear and Jo Poor Bear. Their daughter Laurie was born May 24, 1982. After his retirement they purchased a country home southeast of Kadoka, where they ranched and continued to reside. In June 2004, Jerry began working for the Jackson County Highway Department, as a truck driver and operator, a position he held until the time of death.
Jerry enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and also guided hunters. He loved spending time with his family and especially the grandchildren. Jerry was a member of the NRA and a member of the Robin Hood Military Club.
Grateful for having shared his life include his devoted companion, Diane Wilson of Kadoka; a son Eliel Poor Bear and his wife Jennifer of Kadoka; three daughters Jenee Jakeway Hightower of Rapid City, Laurie Jakeway of Kadoka, and Jo Poor Bear and Shane Thin Elk of Vermillion; nine grandchildren Krisana Jakeway, Joardin Jakeway Hightower, Lynzee Jakeway Hightower, Shania, Cheyenne, Tristin, and T.J. Mallory, and Desmond Thin Elk, and Keaunna Poor Bear; his brothers Williams Jakeway and his wife Marilyn of Wanblee, and Bud Jakeway and his wife Sally of Spearfish; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Thursday.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 16, 2006, at the Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.
Interment will be in the Kadoka Cemetery.
A memorial is established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, November 16, 2006 10:00 a.m.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gary McCubbin
MUSIC
Britni Ross – Pianist
Susan Davidson – Vocalist
"Amazing Grace"
"The Old Rugged Cross"
"Seven Spanish Angels"
USHERS
Kelly Brown – Clay Hindman
PALLBEARERS
Donald Woolard – Marvis Letellier
Charlie Carlson – Mike Livermont
Alex Livermont – Jerry Grass
Gary Fredericksen – Bud Weller
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota
Guest Book
8/6/2007
I miss you and so do the kids. Minnie me I think misses you the most. I remind her that you would be so proud of her and that you are smiling down from above. She has a picture of the two of you by her bed. I miss you. I miss hearing your laugh and I miss telling you about the kids.
~ .
. (11/12/2006)
Jerry and I graduated the same year from High School. I always remember when ever we saw each other the first thing you saw was his warm smile, and it always made me smile. He was a great guy and a wonderful friend. I extend my greatest Sympathy to his family.
~ Digger Beckwith
Denver, Colorado (11/12/2006)
Diane, Laurie, and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know the pain that you feel now; in time it will lessen. It helps to think about all the happy memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Tara, Jason, and Taylor Johanneson
Tea, SD (11/12/2006)
Bud, Ronny & Bill
Though we're not able to be there your in our thoughts and prayers. This is a difficult time for all, embrace the memories and share them together. God Bless
~ Richard and Marcia Curtis
903 13th St., Rawlins, WY 82301 (11/12/2006)
Jerry was my classmate at Kadoka High School. I enjoyed knowing him and wish so much that I could have visited with him at our reunion this past summer. My heart felt sympathies to all of his family.
~ Sharon Taft Simmons
20904 287th St., Allen, SD 57714 (11/12/2006)
Diane & Laurie,
I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. I know you will deeply miss Jerry and it will be hard in the days to come. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Kendra Weller
Shabbona, Illinois (11/12/2006)
Jerry was a classmate of mine who shared the same birthday. He was a good friend. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family.
~ Bruce A. Baddeley
Pine Bluff, Arkansas (11/12/2006)
Diane and Family, We are so very sorry to hear of Jerry's passing, please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Chris and Diana Elwood
Belvidere, SD (11/12/2006)
I heard of Jerry's passing Monday and I was in disbelief. It took awhile to register. Jerry has been a great friend to my wife and I for many, many years. They say that time heals all sorrows and helps us to forget, but time so far only proves how much we will miss him.
~ Bobby Dale and Shere Ryan-Wooden Knife
White River, SD (11/12/2006)
Diane and family we were so shocked and saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. He was way to young and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. My mom died this past summer so we have recently been reminded how tough it is to loose a loved one. I guess this is a reminder that life is precious and short and we should always be as good to people, especially our family as you can, because you just never know.
~ Ansel & Teresa WoodenKnife
Interior, SD (11/12/2006)
I am sorry for your loss, Im sure he will be greatly missed by his family. My prayers are with your. ohan toksa ake see you at the college. ;)
~ Gloria Eastman
Rapid City, SD (11/12/2006)
Laurie,
I remember meeting your dad briefly and he could always bring a smile to your face. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kim and family
~ Kim (Leach) Kerner
Mobridge, SD (11/12/2006)
To Diane and family,
I just read the news about Jerry and I'm so sorry to hear of his loss. Jerry was a great man and will be missed greatly. He could bring a smile to any one and at the same time make them laugh. Please know that you all are in my prayers and will be in out thoughts these next few days. Rely on each other for support it'll get you through the tough times ahead and always know you're not alone during this time, rely on friends, we are all here to help just call on us and we'll be there.
Michelle and family
~ Michelle, Travis Brenner and Terri Craven
27 Madison St., Apt 1, Rapid City, SD 57701 (11/12/2006)