Jay Thorpe had gone to war in 41 as just another young infantry recruit from a small farming town, he returned in 45 a hero Ace many times over. His attributes were an inspiration to all the young people in Limestone County; both Jerry and myself had taken notice, the burn was on.  

http://www.acepilots.com/usaaf_robbins.html

http://www.475thfghf.org/Friends/robbins.htm

http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=6927

When Jerry reached enlistment age in 1947 his eyesight was less than perfect, regrettably, he didn't qualify for pilot training. He did meet the criteria for radar operator and was soon flying B29's out of Fairchild AFB

Our Dad, Captain Joe D. Gore of Hubbard, Texas,  USACE(Corps of Engineers ) WWII/post war USAF, was stationed nearby at Fort George Wright, Spokane, WA.

Jerry came by as often as he could and we spent the time designing, building and flying model airplanes. His skill as a master model builder was something the AF would later put to good use at White Sands.

The years spent in Spokane where truly Happy Days; we lived in a large home on base that overlooked the Spokane River;  Mom had the family together; Dad had a good assignment; Jerry was in B29's and at age 8 I was in awe of it all.

Right after the picture on the left was taken we all fell on the ice smashing the model plane that Jerry is holding. It was back to the basement shop and an all nighter spent putting it back together.

The next day he flew it off the snow on skis that he had designed and built. In ’47/48/49 he  designed and flew a flying wing and a 45 degree swept back wing racer, both were state of the art, successful, flying models that many hobbyist copied.

In 1955 Jerry went to work for Chance Vaught Aircraft; an early assignment involved updates for the F8 and later on the R&D for the A7. He also contributed to the development of the Boeing 727 and 737. This was a far cry from the rubber band models he built in school. Later  programs would take his achievements into space and national security.

Jerry was a man who shared all he had with those he loved, he did it willingly asking nothing in return. He devoted his whole life to his family whom he dearly cherished. He was a man unequaled in his capacity to love and forgive.

He took care of Dad when he became terminally ill in 1969. He then took care of Mom until she found peace from Alzheimer's in 1988, they're both resting in Waco.  

When his three children were at an early age he took on the task of being their sole caregiver. For the rest of his life, until the day he was beckon home, he dedicated all he had to his family.

Cheryl, his oldest child, had a hard time finding her way in this world. She left us far too soon in June of 2005. Jerry, who was already in ill health, never  recovered from the loss. She's close by her father at Restland in Dallas.

Those who knew him were touched by this unassuming, charming gentleman of simple means and desires who passed their way. My only beloved brother is lovingly missed but not forgotten.

Tenderly, In his new home he'll be welcomed into peace and tranquility forevermore.

JoAnn East/Donaldson, our cousin, and Jerry on vacation in Branson, MO in 1995. Jerry and JoAnn attended school together in Coolidge, Texas.  After graduation she went on to Baylor and Jerry enlisted. We just adored her, she was like the sister we never had.  She was called  home in 2000.