Gerald Lee Mechtly was born to John and Beryl Lyons on April 6, 1923. Due to the death of his mother 3 days after his birth he was given to and adopted by Ana B. and John Mechtly. Gerald died on July 14, 2017 at Alta Vita Memory Care.
As a young boy he helped his dad on the farm and in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Upon graduating from high school, he joined the Army Air Corp where he received his pilot training and was an aviator in World War II. He loved flying and has shared many stories of those adventures with his family. His military career included service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He reached the rank of Major.
On August 4th, 1944 he married Beryl Lee Ireson. She preceded him in death on September 30, 2001. They were married for 57 years. Together they became parents of five children, Gerald Lee "Skip" II (deceased), Karen, Martin, Gregory and Kimberly.
Gerald is survived by his brother, Leroy Lyons. He was also a Granddad, Great Granddad and a Great-Great Granddad.
After his retirement from the US Air Force, he worked for the federal government as a mine inspector in the area of Price, Utah. Gerald and Beryl enjoyed playing golf and cards with friends. In his later years he was an avid bowler and played on several leagues.
A memorial service will be held at Fort Logan Cemetery Thursday, October 5th, 2017 at 2:45pm, and will include full military honors. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.