Jerry Cobb, 85, of Winter Park, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, March 30th, 2021 with his loving wife and children by his side. A memorial service will be held at Winter Park Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, April 7th at 2:00 PM. The interment will follow at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at a later date.
Jerry was born in Louisville, Kentucky on June 9, 1935. He graduated from Manual High School and received an NROTC scholarship to attend the University of Louisville. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and later received a Master’s degree from UCLA’s Engineering Executive Program.
Jerry married Yvonne (Dycus) on October 18, 1958. He received his commission as a Second Lieutenant, USMC 1958, Wings as a Marine Corps Fighter Pilot in 1959 and reported to Marin Squadron VMF (AW) 235, flying F8U-2NE Crusaders. Following his military service, Jerry and Yvonne moved to Southern California where they called home for the next 50 years.
Jerry enjoyed a long and rewarding career in the aerospace industry. This included various engineering, marketing and executive positions with Douglas, McDonnell Douglas, Lockheed and Lockheed Martin. At McDonnell Douglas he worked as Program Engineer for the Saturn 5 Program, launching astronauts to the moon. During his tenure with McDonnell Douglas, for a period, he served as President of the Western Area National Security Industrial Association (NSIA, an industry association of over 400 companies).
While with Lockheed Martin, in the mid ‘90s, his company built the first commercial launch facility at Cape Canaveral, FL. Jerry retired as Vice President of Commercial Small Launch Vehicles, International Launch Services, Lockheed Martin, in 2000.
Throughout his life, he valued his family, his church and civic responsibilities. He was ordained as an elder in the Presbyterian Church in 1974. He enjoyed golf, and served on the Board of Directors of Lake Arrowhead Country Club and as President of three large Homeowners Associations. After retirement he launched a second venture as a real estate broker specializing in golf course properties in Lake Arrowhead and waterfront homes in Newport Beach, California.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Yvonne of Winter Park, daughter Julie and her husband Stephen Gardell, daughter Kim, and grandchildren Frank and Casey Kravchuk, as well as cherished extended family members and dear friends. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Guy and Fanny Cobb, and his brother Robert Cobb.
Jerry’s zest for living large is captured best by his favorite poem “The Clock of Life” and his beloved mantra “A Toast…to the Corps!”
In his memory – Semper Fi and Carpe Diem
