On May 12, 1933 Doc Bradford and Connie (Miller) Havener welcomed a son, Gerald Dean Havener. Jerry's early years were spent in Missouri in the following towns; Sikeston, Lenox and Morely where he graduated from high school. Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country with pride from 1950-1973.

In 1953, Jerry was united in marriage to his best friend, Patricia Bengtson. Jerry, Pat and their family were stationed in England, Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Anchorage, Area 51 and also in Dayton. They traveled the world together, as Jerry worked in intelligence. Upon retiring from the service, the family made their home in Essex. Jerry went to work for Eatons, the Gas Lamp and also at Earl May.

Jerry was a member of the American Legion and the Faith Covenant Church. He enjoyed reading, golfing and loved spending time in the orchard on their acreage. His greatest love was for his family. Time spent with his grandchildren were always treasured.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Calvin, sisters Barbara and Fannie. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 65 years Patricia, son Jerry (Angela) Havener, daughter Michelle (Doug) Tuck, grandchildren Jeremy, Jered and Jordan Havener and Gabrielle Sparks, 3 great-grandchildren, sisters Brenda Akins and Alyne Maness, brother-in-law Gene (Betty) Bengtson, other relatives and friends.

Gerald entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at the Garden View Care Center. Although he was scheduled to return to his "earthly" home that day, God called him to his heavenly "home".

Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, October 19, 2018 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home. The family will greet friends 30 minutes prior to services, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will full military honors will follow in the Essex Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Faith Covenant Church in Essex.