Jerry was born to Bert Harvey and Ina Marie (Lewis) Hewes November 18, 1946 in Salt Lake City. His battle with cancer ended at age 77, on July 17, 2024 at Life Care Center of Idaho Falls. Jerry grew up in Salt Lake City, where he was proud to attend West High School (class of 1965) and the University of Utah (Bachelor of Music 1970.)

God blessed Jerry with a remarkable talent in music, as both a tenor soloist and instrumentalist. He toured Europe with U of U choral groups and played in the U’s Marching Band. He was mentored as a church organist by his grandmother, Edith Lewis. Although his church membership was American Baptist, he served in a multitude of roles at several different churches.

At a Campus Crusade for Christ Singspiration in 1973, he met Mary Matson, who became his “life accompanist”. They were married on June 22, 1975 in Salt Lake City. Eight years later, they were blessed with the birth of their son Mark.

Jerry had always been active in church ministries, but he felt God’s urging to do more. In 1987 the family moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where he attended Central Baptist
Theological Seminary. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1989 with a Master of Divinity, majoring in Religious Education. While in Kansas City, he served as an organist and choir director and taught at Christian daycare centers for young children.

The family returned to the Intermountain area when Jerry was called to pastor the Baptist Community Church in Arco, Idaho from 1993-1996. Soon after moving there, he became a Hospice volunteer. Over the next two decades, he co-managed the Lazy A Motel and enjoyed opportunities to substitute teach at the high school in Arco. In later years, he continued to be involved in ministry, playing organ, leading services, and occasionally preaching at the Church of the Epiphany and Baptist Community Church.

He demonstrated his faith through a life of service: directing Vacation Bible Schools, leading campfires and serving as a camp counselor at Camp Utaba (near Liberty, Utah), volunteering for the Arco Community Food Bank, and mentoring generations of his family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; still-born daughter Ruth; and two sisters-in law: Jan and Karol. He is survived by his wife Mary of Arco; son Mark (Kelly) and grandson Leo of Boise; brothers Robert of Fresno, CA and John (Toni Rae) of Salt Lake City; 13 nieces/nephews and several grand-nieces/nephews.

Cremation handled under the care of Anderson Family Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held August 5, 1:30 pm at Baptist Community Church, Arco ID with visitation from 1:00-1:30 pm.