Mr. Gerald H. "Jerry" Parkhurst, Sr., age 71, of 140 Allen St., Meshoppen, PA. passed away early Friday morning, November 15, 2013 at the Hospice Community Care of Geisinger South in Wilkes Barre, PA.


Mr. Parkhurst was born in Sayre, PA. on April 29, 1942 the son of the late Ralph and Alice Mae Lavelle Parkhurst, Sr.

He enlisted with the US Army serving his country during the Vietnam Conflict, from Feb. 6, 1960 until Jan 31, 1966. After which Jerry later served with the Army National Guard of Pennsylvania.

Throughout the years Jerry was employed as a tractor trailer driver for many trucking companies throughout northeastern Pennsylvania, including Louden Hill Dairy of South Montrose, PA.; Bub Kintner Trucking, of Meshoppen, PA.; and Campo Trucking, of Tunkhannock, PA. Jerry retired in 2004 from Cargill Packing in Wyalusing, PA., where he was employed in their sanitation department.


Jerry attended the Elk Lake Community Church, and was a member of the American Legion, and the NRA. In his spare time he was an avid outdoor enthusiast, looking for arrowheads, hunting, fishing, camping, and cherished the time that he got to spend with his family.

Surviving is his wife of 16 years, the former Linda L. Shoemaker, of Meshoppen, PA., his children, Lisa Gawlas, of Jemez Pueblo, NM; Gerald H. "Jerry"
(Colleen) Parkhurst, Jr.; Carole D. (Rick) Burgess; Sharon L. (George) Davis; Hope M. (Chris) Steele; Ruth S. (Mike) Hongach, all of Auburn Center, PA.; Step-children, Jim C. Bennett Jr. (Allison Hollister), of South Montrose, PA; Beth Hallock, of Meshoppen, PA; Addison W. "Willie" (Shenen) Bennett, of Montrose, PA; and Brian L Bennett (Michelle Brace), of Meshoppen, PA. also his 17 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. Gerald is also survived by several brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, and his beloved friend and companion, Maxie, his Yorkie Terrier. Besides his parents he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph Parkhurst Jr, and Frank Wilk.

Abiding with the wishes of Jerry the calling hours and graveside services will be private, at the convenience of his family. Interment will be in the Lacey St Cemetery, in Laceyville, PA. Military services will be conducted by the members of the Rought Hall Post #510 American Legion; the Dennis Strong Post #457 American Legion; and the Endless Mountains Post #3583 V.F.W.

Arrangements were made through the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations to the Hospice of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com.