Gerald A. Hargraves

Gerald "Jerry" Arthur Hargraves was born February 1, 1935, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Junior Britt and Gertrude Amy Bailey Hargraves.

He grew up in Pocatello, spending some time in Salt Lake City and Heber City, Utah. From the time he was very young through high school, he and his brothers would go to Thatcher, Idaho, and work on his uncle's ranch. He was an athlete and boxed in high school. He loved to play football and baseball for fun and loved to dance.

Jerry graduated from Pocatello High School in 1953 and enlisted in the Navy. He received training and education in Oklahoma and Illinois. He was trained as an Aviation Electricians Mate and served on the USS Phillipine Sea, an aircraft carrier, during the Korean War.

Upon his release from the military in 1955, Jerry began his education at Idaho State College (now Idaho State University) in the Trade and Technology Program, and began his career as an electrician.

During this time, he met Betty Joanne Orr. They were friends and dated for eighteen months. They were sealed for time and eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple, on November 2, 1956.

They have five children: Yvonne (Dirk) Stone, Debra (Boyd) Whitworth, Gerald Hargraves, Harold (Annette) Hargraves, Dale (Lisa) Hargraves, 15 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Jerry worked in various jobs in Idaho and surrounding states. He was a member of the IBEW Local 449 and was known as "Ebediah." He retired from FMC in 1998.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and happily served in whatever calling was given him.

He enjoyed spending his free time with his family. Their family would go camping, fishing, rock-hounding, gold-panning and taking road trips. He also liked to golf. Jerry had a heart to match his stature and has been referred to as a gentle giant.

He is preceded in death by his parents (Britt and Gertrude), a brother (Britt) and his daughter (Yvonne).

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2016, 11:00 a.m., at Mountain View Cemetery, 1540 So. 5th Avenue. Military Rites will be provided by the Pocatello Veterans and National Honor Guards. His funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Wilks Funeral Home.

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