Gerald (Jerry) Hartley Elsworth
Gerald (Jerry) Hartley Elsworth passed away on May 4, 2022, at the age of 78 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s dementia. We think he did it on purpose to avoid his upcoming colonoscopy.
He was born on August 25, 1943, in Porterville and lived there all his life. He attended Porterville High School where he graduated in 1962.
Jerry was volunteered into the United States Army at the ripe old age of 18 and immediately realized he didn’t much enjoy being bossed around. He only stuck it out for one war before his discharge however; the government exchanged numerous ribbons and medals for various honorable acts. Upon his return in 1967, thinking it best to keep an eye on him government officials talked him into joining the reserves.
He worked as a smoke jumper in the U.S. Forest Service and then worked for 25 years as a fire fighter with the City of Porterville Fire Department. After 25 years, he suddenly realized that running away from burning buildings made more sense than running toward them and promptly retired. He raced motorcycles at the Spinners racetrack in Porterville. He was a past member of the Clampers and a member of the Eagles Lodge. He was an avid bowler and love to golf.
He is survived by his current wife of five years Janis Forst Elsworth, his four children; Tiffany Lynn Rush and April Elizabeth Olmos both of Porterville, Crystal Lorena Elsworth of Long Beach, and Scott Hartley Elsworth of Oregon. He is also survived by the peanut butter industry for which he was an unofficial spokesman.
He has six grandchildren, Robert Stokes of Utah, Jennifer Rush of Porterville, Ashlee Dewitt and Kimberlee Collins both of Missouri, Emiline Rose Olmos and Adrian Olmos both of Porterville. Nine great grandchildren and one great great grandson, two sisters Sherry Mancbach and Rosemary Elsworth and two nieces, Tamara Lund and Katherine Mancbach all of Sonora.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Grethal Elsworth and a nephew Mark Mancbach.
Graveside Services will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Porterville on May 18th at 10 a.m. Reception is to follow after graveside service at the Eagles Lodge, 97 W. Henderson.