
Gerald Kenneth Gentis was born on July 28, 1924 in Jenks, OK to Norman Philip Gentis and Anna Evelyn (Ballew) Gentis. Jerry passed from this life on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at the age of 95.
He served his country in the Army Air Corps, 8th Air Force during WWII. He was a tail gunner and a toggalier on a B-17 that flew 33 missions over Germany. Following the war, he returned to his family in Jenks and was employed as a lab technician for AMOCO. Upon his retirement, he became a docent for The Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Mary Sue (Graham) Gentis in 2014.
He is survived by his sister Jean Jenkins, his children Gayle Gentis and her husband Pat Baker, Lynn Gentis Mayo and Keith Gentis and a granddaughter, Andrea Celest Gentis all of Jenks, OK.
Graveside service 2:00 P.M. Monday, November 25th at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery.
Dear family of Gerry and Sue: I have been thinking a lot of many of my WWII veteran friends recently and only today found that Gerry had passed last year and regret that I hadn't reached out to him for some time. I was active for a few years with the 8th AAF group that met for lunch at Golden Corral. I consider myself fortunate to have interviewed Gerry a couple of times for a hoped for documentary on B-17's that unfortunately didn't come to fruition. In March 2005, I visited with them on their family farm on 131st street in Jenks and they were such a gracious and friendly couple. I truly felt at home. Gerry shared a lot of stories as if they had happened yesterday (I took hasty notes).
At TASM, I saw Gerry on a couple of occasions having fun as a volunteer there. In October 2010, I was at Jenks Riverside airport with two of my teenage grandsons from Texas to view a B-17 that had flown in for a weekend. I saw Gerry and introduced them. They were in awe as he told them about the airplane and what it was like to fly in it and then posed for a few pictures.
What a wonderful man and what a legacy he has left to so many. As much as Gerry loved to talk, you likely have heard all his stories; at the same time I'd be happy to share what I have gleaned from Gerry over the years if anyone in the family has an interest. Cherishing the memories,
Randy Finfrock, Tulsa, OK
918-488-9318
Randy Finfrock
I’ve never met Mr. Gentis but I have gotten to know about him through his daughter, Lynn. Lynn was my choir director at Glenpool Schools. She always spoke highly of Mr. Gentis and would tell us stories of her childhood and Mr. Gentis’ days in the military. I saw his story on the news that someone had posted. Mr. Gentis definitely left quite a legacy. May he Rest In Peace with his wife. Mr. Gentis, thank you for your service to our country! Lynn, Gayle and Keith, you all have my deepest condolences and you all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Allisyn Osborn
I loved and highly respected my Uncle Jerry. When I was young I couldn’t wait to visit him and listen to his stories. That feeling didn’t change as I grew up. Uncle Jerry you will be missed!! Love you Ronnie Graham
Ron Graham
Mr Gentis was a very fine family man that was very interesting to talk to.
When I came home from Vietnam in 1964, I went over and visited Sue and
GK. I really enjoyed hearing his stories and shared some of my own.
I had thought of his family several times, Great man Great Family
My Dad was the minister of The Jenks First Christian Church and I dated
Gayle in High School.
Ron Fox
Ronald O Fox
Such a fine gentleman and Christian. Each time either Aluminum Overcast or The Liberty Bell (B-17 bombers)would fly in to Riverside, he was always there willing to share information or stories.
I met him through Lynn, she & I taught at Glenpool for years, and it has been my pleasure to have known him and the family.
Know that he is dancing now with his sweetheart and smiling.
Joe Dulin
My wife and I are so sad to read about G.K.’s passing. As a long time volunteer at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, G.K. was a passionate story teller to thousands of visitors to TASM. He was a dedicated volunteer and was always ready for a special project. Most importantly, G.K. was one of the nicest men and we were proud to call him our friend.
Kim and Loretta Jones
Kim Jones