Gerold "Jerry" T. Davey

Gerold “Jerry” T. Davey passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the age of 88. A man of quiet conviction, Jerry built a life anchored in discipline, humility, and service. He lived simply, spoke plainly, and followed through. Memorial Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown, SD. Pastor Steve Biswell will officiate. The Memorial Service will be livestreamed via our website.

Born near Watertown, SD, on December 4, 1936, Jerry was the son of Mark and Gladys (Howey) Davey. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1955 and attended South Dakota State University before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1957, where he spent four years. He returned to Watertown and worked at Watertown Cement Products until 1964. That same year, he joined the Navy—a role that became the most meaningful chapter of his long military career. He retired in 1980 as a Chief Petty Officer, proud of his time beneath the surface, where precision, trust, and resilience mattered most.

Following his military retirement, Jerry returned to Watertown in 1981 and joined the maintenance staff at the Watertown Mall, where he remained until retiring in 1998. His work ethic was consistent, and his presence reliable. In his later years, his nephew, Brian Davey, and Brian’s wife, Susan, quietly ensured he was looked after, reflecting the same steady care Jerry had long shown others.

In retirement, Jerry valued routine. He read daily, enjoyed puzzles, and traveled occasionally. Though he never sought recognition, he stayed connected to the causes and communities that mattered to him. He was a lifelong member of several veterans’ and civic organizations, including Elks Lodge #838, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 750, United States Submarine Veterans, the Retired Enlisted Association, the Fleet Reserve Association, and American Legion Post 17.

Jerry is survived by his brother, Wayne Davey, and sister-in-law, Lanna Davey, of Bremerton, Washington; his sisters, Ethel Rux of Roy, Washington, and Phyllis Davey of Bremerton, Washington; and seven nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Gladys Davey; his brothers, Raymond Davey and Mark “Gene” Davey; his sister-in-law, Linda Davey; and his brother-in-law, John Rux.

Jerry will be remembered for the life he lived quietly but fully, shaped by duty, steadiness, and a deep commitment to the people and principles he held close.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel      www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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