Obituary: Jarrell (Jerry) F. Legg

Jarrell (Jerry) F. Legg 9/07/1923 ~ 7/09/2007 Jarrell (Jerry) Franklin Legg, 83, born in Elk Ridge, West Virginia to John and Lillie Burgess Legg passed away July 9, 2007 after a long illness. Jerry lost his Father at nine months and his Mother at the age of seven; he was then raised by his Aunt Bessie and Uncle Virgil Shaffer. Jerry graduated from Eastbank High School June 1942 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps August, 14, 1942. While stationed in Salt Lake City Jerry met the love of his life, Betty Butler, when he was invited to Thanksgiving Dinner at the Butler residence, they were married December 12, 1945. On March 16, 1944 Jerry was a tail-gunner aboard a B-17 leading the 8th Air Force on a mission to Germany where they came under enemy fire and with heavy damage had to divert to Switzerland where they were interned for 11 months. He was employed at Eimco Corporation where he was active in the International Molders and Allied workers, local 231 as Secretary and Financial Officer until June of 1972. He went full time with the International Union as Vice President of the western United States July of 1973. He retired October 31st of 1987 and spent many years volunteering for the Democratic Party. He was an avid New York Yankees fan all his life. Jerry and Betty enjoyed traveling and spent their retirement traveling the United States and toured Europe. He was a member of the Swiss Internees and attended annual reunions including two trips to Switzerland. They traveled to Washington D.C. in 2004 to the Dedication of the World War II Memorial. Jerry was an excellent Husband and Father, always true to his word and never too busy to help anyone in need. He touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew him. Survived by wife-Betty of 61 1/2 years, Daughter-Lynda (Gaynard) Griffiths, Son-Kevin (Marsha) Legg, Grandchildren-Ra'al Willey, Jason Griffiths, and Travis Legg; all Salt Lake City. Sister-Helen Witherow, Ravenswood, West Virginia and Brother-Gene (Dixie) Smith, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Preceded in death by Granddaughter-Lindsay Irene Griffiths, Brother-DV Shaffer, and Sister-Doris Jones. Funeral Services will be held at Redwood Memorial Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road on Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. with a 12:30 viewing. Interment will follow services.