JERRY S. WILLICK

Jerry was born and grew up in St. Louis, MO June 6, 1932 to Shirley and Benjamin Willick, joining his sister Diana. He joined and remained active in the Eagle Club who met annually for decades. He joined his father a s a barber at a young age, and served in the Korean war hoping to see the world, but was stationed within miles of his home city. Nevertheless, Jerry had fond memories of his service, and often amused listeners with them. Jerry met Birdie when she was just 13, wooed her, and eventually married her when he was released from the Air Force. After their August 14, 1954 wedding, Jerry and Birdie lived and raised their three children in St. Louis. A friend’s inclusion in a junket heading for Las Vegas changed the course of his life, however, as Jerry fell in love with the desert - and by 1971 had moved his small family to live in Las Vegas. Jerry worked in and owned several barber shops in Vegas, as well as opening and running the beauty salon in the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel from 1994 to 1999. A natural story teller and friendly guy, Jerry was active in many clubs, including Toastmasters, acted as manager to several entertainers in town, assisted Sig Sakowicz on his television show (doing hair and makeup for Sig’s numerous celebrity guests such as Sammy Davis, Jr.). When Jerry "semi-retired" in 1999, Eric Hilton arranged for a one-chair shop at the Spanish Trails so he would not lose his personal barber - at which Jerry worked until the summer of 2021. Jerry continued to give haircuts in his home for several weeks, and finally fully retired in late September, 2021. For years, the Willick family could not go anywhere without running into several folks who knew and wanted to greet Jerry - it was like being with a celebrity. However, one of Jerry’s greatest joys was watching his son, Marshal, become an important attorney in town; suddenly being known as "Marshal’s dad," and watching his son building his office that bears the family name. He also loved and was Proud of his son, Seth, and daughter, Faith - both of whom eventually went to work with Marshal at the law office. Watching them work together filled Jerry with joy. Jerry’s sons both married and had children - and Jerry fully enjoyed watching his grandchildren, Sarah, Nikki, and Alex Willick, grow up and become lovely adults. Jerry and Birdie moved to Summerlin’s Sun City in ... 2002 and loved the friends and community they found there. Jerry volunteered on the neighborhood’s security force for years (promoting others to help), helped establish and run the Men’s Club, was involved in the Computer Club, was extremely close to the various friends they met in their immediate area as well their "doggie park" group. Being stuck in the house during COVID, he and Birdie finally had time to redo their back yard and turn it into a lovely relaxing showcase - in which Jerry took pride and fully enjoyed. Other than the devastating loss of his son, Seth, in 2012, Jerry has found happiness and joy in his family, friends, neighbors, and customers. Jerry never stopped telling his jokes and stories; memories of national and local celebrities; early Las Vegas and past history. Sadly, Jerry passed away October 12, 2021; he is survived by his loving wife, Birdie; son, Marshal; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Sarah and Jason Pageau; daughter and son-in-law, Faith and Steven Fish; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Willick; and grandchildren Nikki and Alexander Willick. He will be fondly remembered for his kindness, humor, helpfulness, giving nature, and amusing stories - and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.