Gerald S. 'Jerry' Park, 76
Gerald S. "Jerry" Park, 76, passed away peacefully at his Kalispell home on Aug. 12, 2013.
Jerry was born in Dallas, the son of Sidney And Erin (Cook) Park. He grew up in Dallas and graduated from Sunset High School. Jerry then attended Texas Christian University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961.
Jerry served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1962, when he then became an armored officer in the Texas National Guard until 1969.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Jerry was involved in radio broadcasting. Susie used to dance in the headlights at the TCU parking lot during "Jerry’s Night Show" before she met him. In 1963, Jerry switched to television and worked for ABC Television as a newsman and anchor. He retired in 1999 in Oklahoma City, Okla., and was inducted in the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2008, for his many years of service.
Jerry was actively involved with United Cerebral Palsy, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and a member of the Southern Hills Christian Church. He enjoyed reading and traveling.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Erin Park.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sharon "Susie" Park, of Kalispell; sons, Rusty Park of Kalispell, and Randy and Anne Park of Plainfield, Ill.; daughter, ShyAnn, and Grant Milner, of Edmond, Okla.; sisters, Kay Fikes, Nancy Malik and Betsy Hayes; brother-in-law, Larry Webb; five grandchildren Lauren, Ryan and Maggie Park, and Mason and Jacob Milner; and aunt, Jean Patton, of Dallas.
A celebration of life for Jerry will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Easthaven Baptist Church Foyer (near the fireside).
Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Easthaven Baptist Church Missionary Services; or the the Cross and Crown Ministries, 10th and McKinley, Oklahoma City, OK 73131.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.