Jerry F. Lash, 88

Jerry F. Lash, 88, of Lakeside, Arizona, formerly of Tecumseh, died July 30, 2021, at his home. No services are planned at this time.

He was born April 24, 1933, in Freeman, Missouri, the son of Lloyd and Elsie Lash. He spent much of his life in Missouri and Arizona and had friends and family in both places. His first real job was in Missouri working in a materials factory during the war, a job he was proud of. He often admitted that he’d needed to fib about his age to get hired for it.

He went on to become a successful machinist, mechanic, carpenter, welder and heavy equipment operator; he was known as someone capable of doing almost anything. He built his own homes, restored antique tractors and was always tinkering with at least a few different projects on his farm in Missouri.

He often helped out in his community, whether it was serving in the Tonto Rim Rescue Squad in Arizona or the Tecumseh Volunteer Fire Department here, or just being there for friends and neighbors when they needed help.

In his spare time, he loved to fish, hunt, go four-wheeling and have adventures with his wife, Jerry Ann. He supported her in operating the popular Rainbow’s End Christmas House for many years at their home near Tecumseh. He loved old cars, tractors and just about any kind of old machinery. He also loved his many pets, and certainly loved him back. He will be missed.

He is survived by Jerry Ann Lash, the love of his life and his wife for 44 years; seven children and stepchildren, Syndi Rutt, Dolores “Dede” Valdes, Donald Lash, Ronald Lash, David Lash, Troy Houser and Shawn Houser; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Owens Livingston Mortuary, Show Low, Arizona.