Jewel Dean McGettrick lost his battle with cancer on Sept. 12, 2020, in Tucson, Arizona at the VA Hospital. He was born on June 28, 1932, in Webb, Oklahoma, to Peter Michael and Jessie Barker McGettrick, with siblings Dewayne, Vivian, Veryl, Garvin, Dennis, and Dale.
Jewel graduated from high school in Cortez, Colorado in May of 1951, and joined the United States Navy in September of that same year. He proudly served his country as a radioman until being honorably discharged in September of 1955.
He began working as an electrician in the construction industry and married his lovely wife, Mary Louise Curtis, on Aug. 16, 1956, in Cortez, Colorado at the First Baptist Church. The couple was blessed with three children; Bonnie Kay, born on May 6, 1958, in Grand Junction, Colorado, David Dean, born on Jan. 14, 1962, in Denver, Colorado, and Debra Ann, born on April 13, 1964, also in Denver, Colorado.
Jewel enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, western movies, books, and working with wood, anything to do with his hands. He gave his life to Jesus at an early age and was baptized at the age of 12 while attending the First Baptist Church in Cortez, Colorado. He was a quiet, gentle natured man who dearly loved the Lord and his family. He was a good provider and enjoyed his work. Jewel was truly loved by all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Louise McGettrick, of Safford; his children, Bonnie K. (Steve) Chartier, also of Safford, David D. (Elaine) McGettrick, of Pinedale, Wyoming, and Debra A. (Rodney) Tucker, of Cortez, Colorado. He is also survived by his brothers, Dennis (Karen) McGettrick, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Dale (Carole) McGettrick, of Gainesville, Florida, nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Jewel is preceded in death by his parents, Peter M. and Jessie A. McGettrick; his sister, Vivian, and his brothers, Dewayne, Veryl, and Garvin McGettrick.
No services are planned here in Arizona but will be held in Colorado at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
