JERRY K. STANNERS

February 8, 1935 – June 3, 2021

Jerry K. Stanners passed away on June 3, 2021 at his home in La Quinta, California. He spent the final days of his life in the loving care of Terry, his devoted wife of 51 years.

Jerry was born on February 8, 1935 in Clinton, Iowa later moving to Galesburg, Illinois where he lived until attending The University of Illinois. In addition to being an excellent student academically, Jerry was also a successful collegiate athlete excelling in track and field as a pole vaulter. His college athletic years were just the beginning of a lifelong passion for athletics which he took into his senior years; playing senior basketball and participating in masters track and field as well as playing tennis and becoming an avid golfer.

In 1957, after his ROTC commitment in college, Jerry assumed a commission in the US Army where he worked his way to rank of Captain. He served as a fixed wing pilot. Following his discharge from the Army, Jerry enlisted in the Army Reserves where he continued as a pilot until 1979.

In 1970 Jerry met and married Terry, the love of his life. They would eventually move to Bakersfield, CA where they would live for the next 23 years. Here Jerry was CEO of “The Bakersfield Californian” newspaper. A most active member of the community, in addition to his newspaper responsibilities, Jerry was directly involved in many local charities and organizations. Jerry, Terry and their family enjoyed living in Bakersfield; had many great friends and were heavily involved in the community. They played golf and tennis as members of Stockdale Country Club.

Including his tenure as CEO of the newspaper in Bakersfield, Jerry held many executive positions including President of multiple divisions of Dart Industries, CEO of Freymiller Trucking and CEO of Perelli-Minetti Winery. He was Principal owner of his own firm: Charter Consulting. He also sat on the Board of Directors or acted as a consultant to many companies across the United States.

In his “spare time” Jerry loved fly fishing and was a most passionate lover of dogs.

After moving from Bakersfield then living 5 years in San Juan Capistrano, in 2005 Jerry and Terry moved to La Quinta, CA. Here in the beautiful desert, they made many friends, played golf and became active in La Quinta Country Club.

Jerry so loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his wife Terry, Jerry leaves behind four children: Sheri Cook (Jay) of Orange County CA; Julie Morris (Brett) of Boise, ID; David Stanners (Patti) of Avalon Beach, Australia and Jeff Stanners (Lisa) of Mentone, CA. His 7 beloved grandchildren include Brett, Madison, Hannah, Kenny, Lexi, Addie and Leah.

In remembrance of Jerry, donations can be made to The University of Redlands/Athletics: Track and Field, 1200 E. Colton Ave., P. O. Box 3080, Redlands, CA 92373 or online at www.redlands.edu/givenow. Please designate: 'in memory of Jerry Stanners'.