February 26, 1931 – December 14, 2020
Gerald Orville DeYoung, age 89, passed away December 14, 2020 in Pueblo, Colorado. He was born February 26, 1931 in Redlands, California to John Andrew and Rhoda Estelle (Eckman) DeYoung.
Gerry served in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean War and, after an honorable discharge, attained a degree in Horticulture from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. He met and married his first wife, JoEllen McCormick in 1959. They had five children, Eric, Nathan, Rod, Stacy Lynn and John Brent. Gerry and JoEllen left California and moved to Colorado Springs in 1978. They were married for 26 years before JoEllen passed away in 1986.
During his younger years, Gerry worked with New York Life Insurance Company, the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and was involved with, along with owning and operating, several small businesses.
Gerry married Lola Marie (Eining) Pettinari on March 19, 1987 in Colorado Springs. He was a longtime resident of Colorado Springs and Pueblo and was involved in many aspects of the community.
Gerry had a lifetime of deeply rooted love, faith and devotion to His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was dedicated in his involvement to Christian ministry, along with The Navigators, Gideon’s International, the Pueblo County Corrections System, and many other Bible studies across Pueblo.
Gerry is survived by his wife, Lola; three of his children: Nathan, Rod, and Stacy Lynn; brother, Burt DeYoung; and 2 sisters, Midge Moore and Pauline Pike. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, three sisters, his first wife, JoEllen DeYoung, and their two infant sons.
Private family services are planned for a later date with interment at Pikes Peak National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gerald’s memory to the Gideons International for Bible placements or to the Navigators Christian Ministry in Colorado Springs.