Gerald (Jerry) Duane Pyle was born April 4, 1936, in Bethesda, Ohio. He passed away peacefully on May 31st, 2024, in Lehi, Utah. Jerry was adopted at six months old by Charles Raymond Pyle and Ethel Blanche (Cross) Pyle. He was their only child. In adulthood he found he had six half-siblings, 5 of which were still alive: Harold Heskett, Albert Wayne Heskett, Arthur William Heskett, Robert Heskett, and Charles Hope Simeral. Hazel Heskett died in childhood. He enjoyed visiting them and getting to know them and learning what he could about his biological parents.

Jerry attended West Virginia University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1959. Upon graduating from college, he accepted a position where he designed and built submarine and aircraft simulators. This and other experiences developed into a lifelong love of flying. Jerry eventually got a pilot license. He joined an antique airplane club and helped them restore a World War II-era biplane that was placed in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.

Jerry was a mechanical genius. He could repair or create just about anything. He and his wife Maurie were proud owners of a 1953 MG TD. He restored the MG from the ground up twice.

Jerry married his wife, Maurie Virginia Pyle in the Methodist church in Hyattsville, Maryland. They settled in Maryland first and eventually moved to Virginia where they lived for more than 20 years. Together they had two daughters. Jerry eventually joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1985 and was sealed to his wife and daughters in the Washington D.C. Temple on August 23, 1986.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Maurie, and his two children, Melinda Thomas (Michael) and Jennifer Thomas (Nathaniel), and seven grandchildren.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his six half siblings.

A viewing will be held on June 8th from 1pm – 2:30pm and a Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on June 14th at 6pm. Both will be held at the Lehi South Stake Center located at 600 South 500 West, Lehi, Utah.