Jerry W. Levan

The world lost one of its great ones on Monday, August 29, 2022 with the passing of Jerry Wayne Levan, age 74, of Goodyear, AZ. Survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Patricia (Pat) Levan, son John and Gina Levan (San Diego, CA) daughters Kate and Tim Layer (Lowell, IN) and Beth Gustafson (Atlanta, GA) and his seven granddaughters Abby (and Kyle), Emily, Madelyn, Julia, Greta, Eva and Audrey and his beloved beagle, Buddy.

Born in Empire, AL on October 9, 1947 to James and Mary Levan, Jerry was the younger brother to Perry and Pat (Day). Raised in Chicago IL, Jerry was known for his unwavering loyalty to family, his insatiable curiosity for how things work and his "how can I help" mentality. An ever-evolving master of reinvention, Jerry started his career in the Army at the ripe age of 16. From union iron worker to a decade of service on the Chicago Police Department, Jerry then went on to become a mechanical engineer and building manager for several landmark Chicago buildings until Jerry and Pat relocated to Arizona in 1998. From there, Jerry went on to have a successful career in property development and management until his retirement in 2018.

From captaining fishing boats, airplanes and most recently an RV that took Jerry and Pat around the US, Jerry had a dream-and-do mentality that was inspiring and infectious. Known by his children as a firm but loving disciplinarian growing up, Jerry became an absolute teddy bear with the birth of his first granddaughter, and each princess to follow. While always up for tackling a new project, Jerry was happiest when surrounded by family, the "perfect" margarita and a beautiful sunset on the 10th green of their Goodyear, Arizona home.

Following a dual cancer diagnosis and multiple surgeries, Jerry was called home sooner than any of us had expected. True to his pay it forward nature, he donated his body to scientific research. The family will be having a private memorial to honor the life and legacy of the man that they all loved dearly and will miss greatly.

In lieu of flowers, hug your loved ones a little tighter and tackle a new project or adventure in honor of Jerry.