Obituary

Gerald H. Kermen, “Jerry” to those who knew him, passed away at age 87, in Mt. Vernon, WA on May 14, 2016. Jerry was born on February 17, 1929 to Henry and Gladys Kermen (Puller) in what is now Larabee State Park, near Bellingham, WA. Jerry was the middle child, joining his sister Elaine in the family. Later, when the family had moved to Bellingham his younger brother Charles was born. In the early 1930’s Jerry’s family moved south to Alger, WA, where his father worked for the State Highway Department. Jerry attended Alger Elementary School throught the 6th grade. When WWII started the Alger and Burlington Schools were consolidated. Jerry graduated high school in 1948 and worked in sawmills and as a logger. In 1951 he was drafted into the Army, and served in Germany from 1951 to 1953. Upon returning from Germany in 1953, Jerry went to work for Washington State Department of Transportation, where he was employed until retiring in 1981. In 1954 he married Mary Humphrey, and they had three children together, Peggy, Sandra, and Richard.

Jerry is preceded in death by his sister Elaine Pinney. He is survived by brother Charles (Shirley) Kermen, children; Peggy (Brian) McLenithan, Richard (Margaret) Kermen, and Sandra Burton, grandchildren; Kevin (Dwan) Bryant, Kelly Wilson, Kelsey Burton, Nick (Krisitine) Burton, Brian (Beth) Hawes, Kristopher Kermen, and Becky (Mike) Wood, great-grandchildren; Breanna Wilson, Lauren Wilson, Dylan Wilson, Zachary Bryant, Amiri Utley, Tristyn Hawes, Ethan Hawes, Rowan Hawes, Deklan Hawes, Amelia Wood, Christopher Wood, McKenna Wright, Shane Wright, and Andrew Wright.

A Memorial Service will be held for Jerry on Sunday June 26, 2:00pm at the American Legion Post 91, 721 E. Fairhaven Ave, Burlington.