Jerry E. Layhee

Jerry E. Layhee (February 16, 1930 to March 27, 2019)

Jerry Edward Layhee was born in Gowen, Oklahoma on February 16, 1930 to Mike and Cordelia Layhee.  He was the oldest of three children in the family with sisters Betty and Shirlene.  In 1941 the family moved to Los Angeles where they lived in the same apartment complex as several relatives from Oklahoma.  In 1946 the Layhee family moved to Gardena, CA.  Jerry graduated from LA Polytechnic High School and attended USC to become an Engineer.  In 1951, Jerry married Doris Hudgeons, and they soon started a family.  He is survived by six children; Kathie McCrea (Bill), Pamela Zywiciel (Dale), Mike Layhee (Dale), Larry Layhee (Kristen), Laurie Layhee, and Eric Layhee.   Jerry and Doris were married for 51 years prior to Doris’s passing in 2003.

Jerry spent his entire career in Aerospace.  He worked at Douglas Aircraft, McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, and Northrop Aircraft.  He was on teams that developed new aircraft including the C17 and the B2 stealth bomber.  He spent a year in Italy, with his wife and three oldest children, working as a McDonnell Douglas consultant.  Jerry was also adept at fixing things; ranging from cars, to boats, to electronics, to whatever else his family needed fixing.

In 1973, Jerry moved the family from Gardena to Seal Beach, CA, where he resided for over 45 years.  After Jerry retired he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren (12) and great-grandchildren (16 and growing).

In September 2015, Jerry suffered a fall with severe head trauma.  The past few years were very hard on him as he could not accomplish some basic things he always did.  But he did not complain.  On March 27, 2019, Jerry’s body finally gave out, and he passed away to the Lord in Laguna Niguel surrounded by family.

Jerry’s legacy is his family, and we are deeply thankful for his love and support.

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