Jerry Franklin Lash

Jerry F. Lash passed away at home on the morning of July 30, 2021 at the age of 88. He was born in Missouri in 1933 to Lloyd and Elsie Lash. Jerry spent much of his life in both Missouri and Arizona, and had friends and family in both places. His first real job was in Missouri working in a materials factory during the war, a job that he was proud of and he’d often admit he’d needed to fib about his age to even get hired for. He went on to become a successful machinist, mechanic, carpenter, welder, heavy equipment operator, and just in general being known as someone capable of doing almost anything. He built his own homes, restored antique tractors, and was always tinkering with at least a few different projects on his farm in Missouri. He often helped out in his community, whether it was serving in the Tonto Rim Rescue Squad, the Tecumseh Volunteer Fire Department, or just being there for friends and neighbors when they needed it. In his spare time he loved to fish, hunt, and go four wheeling. He loved old cars, tractors, and just about any kind of old machinery. He also loved his many pets, and they certainly loved him back. He is survived by the love of his life Jerry Ann Lash to whom he was married for 44 years and with whom he had many adventures, and also his 7 children and step children Syndi Rutt, Dolores (Dede) Valdes, Donald Lash, Ronald Lash, David Lash, Troy Houser, and Shawn Houser, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed.