Jerome Edwin Reafs went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Dec. 16, 2008, with his loving family by his side. He was 76 years old and had lived in Coupeville since 2002.

Jerry was born May 1, 1932, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Eugene and Bernice nee’ Seaman Reafs. He lived with his parents in Nora Springs, Iowa, until 1943, when the family moved to Port Gamble, Wash.

Jerry loved to fly airplanes and fix everything. He had his first plane ride at the age of 5. As his first project at age 7, he rewired a floor lamp that wouldn’t light. Jerry joined the U.S. Navy in January 1951, and served aboard the USS Gunston Hall (LDS-5) mostly in the Sea of Japan.

After his naval service, Jerry earned his private pilot’s license and became licensed airframe and power plant mechanic. He put his considerable skills to work in many ways including building model planes for the The Boeing Company, rebuilding various engine parts and finally settled at Seattle City Light as an appliance service technician. He retired from that position in 1997 after 20 years of service.

Jerry married Carol nee’ Bernhard, his beloved friend, in 1965, and became an instant father to her three children. And later, Carol and Jerry were blessed with two more.

Papa Bear, as he was called by his grandchildren, is survived by his wife, Carol; sons Mark Davis, Curt Davis (and his wife, Kathleen) and Jerome Reafs (and his wife, Lori); daughters Laura Smalley and Suzan Georges (and her husband, Ryan); 16 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Gifts From the Heart Food Bank, P.O. Box 155,

Coupeville, WA 98239. A memorial service will be held at the Oak Harbor Lutheran Church on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Affordable Burial and Cremation Services, LLC of Mount Vernon. Cards of condolence may be mailed to the family in care of the funeral home.