Gerald Jean Beisner

Colonel (Ret.) Gerald Jean Beisner (Jerry), 94, passed away at home on May 16, 2018, in Macon, Georgia. He was born on September 30, 1923 in Salina, Kansas to the late Belle Hogan Beisner and Otto Louis Beisner. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Bess Parrish Beisner, two sisters and six brothers. He is survived by his daughters Betsy Bunting, Mary Istambouli, Bridget Bagley (Mike), Arianne Beisner; grandchildren Gerald Williams (Shannon), Sarah Istambouli, Wafa Noble (Sara), Hanadi Istambouli, Andrew Bagley (Rachel), Angela Istambouli, Cameron Bagley Zakem (Charles); six great grandchildren, Benjamin, Katherine, Simon, Sophia and Gabriel Williams and Fern Frances Bagley; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Jerry and his beloved twin sister Geraldine Beisner Marzec were the youngest children in a family of seven boys and two girls. Jerry spent his early years in the community of Natoma, Kansas. After attending Maur Hill High School, Jerry joined seven of his brothers and sisters in the war effort by enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1943. While training in Pensacola, Florida, he met the love of his life, Bess Parrish. They were married in 1946. Following flight training, Jerry earned his wings and thus began a distinguished 30 year career in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Colonel. During his career, Jerry flew fighter missions in the Korean conflict and in Vietnam. He traveled all over the world, served as a fighter squadron commander, a Wing Director of Operations at MacDill AFB, and Tactical Air Command Chief of Safety at Langley AFB, in addition to countless other assignments. He received many awards and honors including the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism with One Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with 15 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star. Jerry’s years in the Air Force were punctuated by his fierce loyalty to his country and his joy in the friendships and camaraderie of the men and women who served with him. Along with his wife Bess, he deeply treasured many lifelong friendships from his years in the Air Force. Following his retirement, Jerry founded the market research firm Beisner Research Associates and continued in that business for approximately 30 years.

In addition to his distinguished career, Jerry’s love and devotion to his wife, family and friends stand out as his greatest accomplishment. Jerry loved his family and took great joy and pride in his daughters and grandchildren. He was diligent in staying in touch with his much loved extended family of brothers and sisters, calling and visiting them and their families across the country. He particularly adored his grandchildren and enjoyed being an active part of their lives following his retirement from the Air Force, taking them on vacations, helping with homework, teaching them to drive, and creating many cherished memories.

Jerry was blessed with a wonderful personality and keen sense of humor. He was gregarious, outgoing, eternally optimistic, and kind hearted. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. The family wishes to express thanks for the many kind expressions of sympathy and the exceptional caregivers who assisted him in recent years.

A memorial service will be held in Macon, Georgia on June 18 at 11:00 AM, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 830 Poplar Street, Macon, Georgia 31201. The family will receive friends immediately preceding the service at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Saint Joseph Catholic Church.

Register online at www.hartsmort.com

Hart’s Mortuary, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.