Gerald Kirk Fowlkes

Gerald Kirk "Jerry" Fowlkes, 75, beloved friend, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went into the arms of his Heavenly Father at 12:15 p.m., Thursday, January 21, 2021.

He was born May 16, 1945 in Memphis, TN to Edith (nee Benthal) and William Asa Fowlkes. Jerry spent many summers in Caruthersville, MO with his brother Billy, Aunt Rythia, and Uncle Gene with his much beloved Grandmama Benthal, who passed on to him a life-long love and trust in Jesus Christ and the word of God, and a deep and sincere compassionate nature.

Jerry served two tours of duty in Vietnam in the United States Marine Corp. Sgt Fowlkes was attached to A Battery. First Batallion, 12th Marines, 3rd 155 Guns (SP). He was a proud active duty Marine from 1963 - 1966. After returning home to the states after the end of his term of service, he became a welder, and over the course of time, a journeyman pipefitter.

He eventually met the love of his life, Lois "Carol" (nee Casey). They married September 29, 1973 in Port Huron, MI and raised a family together.

In the words of his daughter, April,

“My Dad was gentle and kindly, steady, affable, and polite. He was slow to anger, long suffering, hardworking, stalwart in difficulty, trustworthy, and incredibly wise. He was giving and patient, loyal, discerning yet slow to judgement. He walked softly on the earth but his words carried the greatest of weight. He was a hero to those that had the privilege to know him.

Dad was the best father a girl could ever ask for and a precious and beloved friend.

Daddy, Padre, Sir, Papa, Jerry, you will forever be missed. I’m so thankful you were such a big part of my life. Of all the blessings I have known, you have always been and continue to be one of the dearest and best. No one can ever replace you. I’m so thankful to have known your love.

The world has lost a hidden treasure and God has gained a crowning jewel."

Jerry is survived by his wife, Carol Fowlkes; daughter Nicole and son-in-law Rob Romero; daughter Kelli; daughter April and son-in-law Chad Cook; granddaughter Briana Romero; grandson Antuan Romero; granddaughter Natali Anderson, grandson Ezekial Anderson; grandson Saafi; grandson Jonathan Cook; and great-granddaughter Aniyah Romero