Jerald Ray Conyers

Jerald Ray Conyers, Age 85, died March 28, 2023.  He went to sleep peacefully at home on March 27 and left this world for the Lord.

He was born August 21, 1937, in Pawnee Oklahoma and was the son of Monroe and Ruby Conyers.  He spent his childhood in Oklahoma and graduated from Stillwater High School. 

Following High School, he joined the US Marine corps.  He served in the Marine Corps for two years then transferred to the US Air Force where he served a 23-year career overseas and across the United States.  He retired in 1978 as a Technical Sergeant and served as a tail gunner in a B52 bomber flying missions over Vietnam for his last mission.

He married Edna Conyers February 18, 1960.  Edna and their children followed faithfully moving around the world.

Upon retirement he returned to Grand Junction and worked as a truck driver for McKesson Chemical, eventually becoming manager of transport dept. in Salt Lake City and Grand Junction.

In 1991 Jerald became a member of the Mason’s organization.  He was initiated and entered apprentice in 1991, passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft, and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in 1992 in the Grand Junction Lodge #173.  He was a member Scottish Rite, the York rite, Knights Commander Court of Honor, Thrice Illustrious Master, Excellent High Priest, and Commander of Knights Templar.  He was past master of Grand Junction lodge #173 and Fruita Masonic lodge #120, President of the Western Colorado Shrine club in 2015, and Shriner of the year in 2018.

As a Shriner he was known as “Grumpy” the clown.  He participated in numerous parades around the Western slope and was a treat to all the kids he met.

He sponsored many children to receive care from Shriners hospitals bringing much joy to his heart.

Jerald was preceded in death by his Parents, Monroe and Ruby, and his wife of 60 years, Edna.

He is survived by Sister Sandy Steely of Grand Junction, Son, Dan (Julie) of Arizona, Daughters, Donna (Ross) of Washington State, Dorothy DeLa Rosa of Arizona, Danielle (JD) of Grand Junction, Laura (Mike) of Arizona and 13 Grandchildren and 32 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandaughter.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial contribution in Jerald’s name to the Shriner’s hospital, Salt Lake City, UT.

“I was my own man and stood up for what I believed in and loved helping children”    Jerald Conyers