WHIPPLE, Gerry Wendell

Silver Creek Mortuary, Taylor, Arizona Gerry Whipple (April 21, 1953 - October 29, 2012) Gerry Wendell Whipple, 59, entered into eternal life on Monday, October 29, 2012. Gerry was born April 21, 1953, in McNary, Arizona to Wendell Oliver “Winkie” Whipple and Ione “Babe” Pearce, along with his twin brother, Terry. Gerry was the second of nine children. Gerry grew up in Show Low, Arizona. He attended Show Low Elementary with his twin brother and cousins. He enjoyed riding horses, 4-H, getting into mischief and helping his Dad. He attended high school in Snowflake where he loved to play football, basketball and run track. Gerry graduated from high school in 1971. He attended a year of school at Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher. Gerry served a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in the Portland Oregon Mission. After returning home from his mission, Gerry attended Brigham Young University in Utah, where he also played rugby. In 1976, Gerry fell in love with his beloved eternal sweetheart, Marcia Perkins. They were married and sealed together for time and all eternity that same year on November 6th in the Mesa, Arizona LDS temple. Gerry and Marcia are the parents of 16 children and 12 grandchildren. Shortly after he was married, Gerry began to work as an electrician. In 1985, Gerry opened his own business and called it “Twin Electric," as Gerry was a twin himself and was blessed with twin sons that same year. Gerry always loved the outdoors, camping, and working with the Boy Scouts of America, where he served in numerous positions and donated many hours of service to the scouts. In 1990, Gerry was elected to the Show Low City Council, where he served for 12 years as the Mayor of the city he loved. During that time, he was responsible for developing friendships across the state, country, and world by starting a Sister City program with Spisske Podhradie, Slovakia. After serving as Mayor and a two year break, Gerry continued to serve on the city council as a Councilman from 2004 to present. He was appointed to the Show Low School Board in 2003, where he has since given his service to the community of Show Low until the day he passed away. Gerry also served on the League of Arizona Cities and Towns and became President in 2002 with a lifetime membership. He was a member of the Crime and Prevention Committee for National League of Cities. He continued to serve on state and national committees over the past years. In 2008 he was given the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Outstanding Public Official Award for his years of dedication, service and leadership to the City of Show Low, as well as the state of Arizona. Gerry made friends with everyone he rubbed shoulders with. He loved his large family and the business where he worked for 27 years. Gerry was currently serving as the Bishop of the Show Low 1st Ward for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and he will be greatly missed by everyone in the community, state, country and world. Gerry loved the people he served and believed in setting an example for others. He loved his family and has left a great legacy of faith and example of service. Gerry enjoyed spending time with his family taking trips and going on campouts. He had a deep appreciation for America, as well as deep faith in Christ. He shared this love with all those he met. Gerry was a beloved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Marcia and children Gerry Paul (Richelle), Jaida (Todd) Westover, Cynthia, Derik (Stephanie), Alden (Kari), Allan, Shaina (Ian) Farnsworth, Natalia, Gerryn, Alaina (Robert) Petrie, Claren, Alex, Marina, Benjamin, Nikolai, Callie; eleven grandchildren- Audrey, Kevin, Heather, Kira, Kinlee, Trigger, Abbie, Viollet, Brinley, Raya, Demetri; mother- Ione “Babe” Pearce; brothers- Terry, Dale, Jerald, Marion, and Ludene; sisters- Lisa, Amy, and Sara. Gerry was preceded in death by his father Wendell Oliver “Winkie” Whipple and his grandson Daniel Whipple. A viewing for Gerry will be held from 6 to 8:30 pm Friday, November 02, at the Show Low Downtown Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 03, at the Show Low Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center with a viewing from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. Silver Creek Mortuary of Taylor handled the arrangements. Memories can be shared at Silvercreekmortuary.net