Gerald Lee “Jerry” Smythe, 86, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died peacefully Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 at home in Rotonda West, Florida. Jerry was born May 13, 1930 in Highland Park, Michigan, to Edward and Bertha Smythe.
He served in the U.S. Army and graduated from Washington U. in St. Louis. He married his true love, Mary Louise Franke, in 1951. They raised a passel of kids who love them dearly, and blessed them with many grandchildren. Jerry discovered a lifelong passion when he joined Monsanto Chemical Co. in 1961 to enter the “new” field of computer programming. He was always active in church and community affairs, and was devoted to God, his family and his country.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Lou; their seven children, Cathy (Jim) Silvey, John (Theresa) Smythe, David (Kathy) Smythe, Mary (Rob) Willen, Susan Smythe (Chuck Durrett), Carolyn Kallenborn, and Patrick (Gail) Smythe; 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and many others who love him dearly. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Bertha; and brothers Richard and Steven.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church in Webster Groves followed by internment at Resurrection Cemetery in St. Louis.