Jerry R. DeSpain, of Palm Desert, passed away Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, at Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda after a brief illness. Sadly, the very next day his beloved little dog Joey unexpectedly went to be with Jerry.

Born Jan. 16, 1943 in Redlands to Mildred Brock and Robert DeSpain, both deceased, Jerry graduated from Redlands High School in 1960. He then served eight years in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Turkey with tours of duty in surrounding countries.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Jerry owned nine retail furniture stores in Southern California and Nevada.

Jerry was a member of the Palm Desert Board of Realtors for 25 years. During these years he also worked for the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District as a park manager for 15 years near Idyllwild.

Services will be held at The Center for Spiritual Living, 45-630 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, at noon Saturday, Sept. 13. For more information or directions, call (760) 346-4649.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 32 years, Emilie Carole; a son, Steve De Spain Christoff of Mountain Center; a daughter, Lisa L. King of Indio; a sister, Sue Goldbransen of Redlands; three grandchildren, Samantha E. Sullins of Palm Desert, Michael L. King of Indio and Danielle A. King of Indio; and one expected great-grandchild.
Vaya con Dios, Jerry.

Similar Posts

  • Obituary: Doris L. Elless

    By Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Once upon a time, in a midwife’s home located in Nokay Lake Township, outside of Brainerd, Minn., Doris L. (Mahle) Elless was born Aug.18, 1933. Such a delight she was to her parents, Elizabeth and Norval Mahle, and her sister, Alice (Mahle) Jaloszynski. Her brother, Jerry Mahle, who has since passed away, would come into…

  • Obituary: Francine Ann Billman

    By Reading Time: 1 minute

    Francine Ann Billman, 61, of Idyllwild, died of breast cancer Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2003 at home. She was born Feb. 9, 1942, in Bell, Calif. She graduated from Glendale High School and California Western College. She previously lived in El Cajon and Glendale. Mrs. Billman was director of residential services at Morning Sky School from…

  • Obituary: Richard P. O’Connell

    By Reading Time: 1 minute

    Richard “Dick” P. O’Connell, 74, of Idyllwild, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005 at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He was born March 14, 1930 in Wilmington, Mass. Mr. O’Connell was a general contractor and a member of the Idyllwild Lions Club. He attended the First Church of Christ Scientist and was active in the Boy…

  • Obituary: Dr. Ralph Smith

    By Reading Time: 1 minute

    Dr. Ralph Nichol Smith, 81, of Hemet, died from colon cancer Saturday, May 24, 2003, at his home. He was born July 4, 1921, in Los Angeles, lived in Hemet 19 years and in Idyllwild two years. Dr. Smith was a veterinarian for 50 years and was the Pets Vet in Hemet for 19 years….

  • Obituary: Bill Chindlund

    By Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Bill Chindlund passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday morning, Sept. 7, while on his daily walk on May Valley Road. He was 67. Cause of death is still being determined. Bill moved to Idyllwild with his wife, Charlene, in May 2004, and had explored most of the trails in the local mountains. A lover…