Gerald Lewis Munger of Denton passed away at home Friday evening, September 7, 2012 with his wife and children at his bedside. His family will gather for a private commitment service at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Lawton, OK, followed by a Life Celebration with treasured friends. A Memorial will be held In San Luis Obispo, CA later in the month.

"Jerry" Munger was born Dec. 29, 1942 in Los Angeles, CA. to Maurice Byron and Lois Howland-Klock Munger. Both his parents were descended from early settlers, including many who arrived on the Mayflower. Historical accounts trace them from their native England and Germany, and reflect farmers, clergy, merchants, teachers, inventors and artists. John Howland's name appears on cornerstones throughout Boston, MA. Two generations later, Elizabeth Howland was creator of the first mass-produced Valentine; Munger ancestors invented the first harvester (housed in Old Town Montgomery, AL) and several agriculture tools. Downtown Dallas was an early trading hub in an area now identified as Munger St. The Mungers widely influenced establishment of schools, universities and churches in the Midwest.

Jerry graduated from Victor Valley High School in Victorville, CA, and Ventura College. In 1963, he met a reporter while at his dentist office. Later, she included him in a college campus feature. He proposed after three dates, and married Melynda Carolee Adams in Ventura on Aug. 22, 1964. He volunteered to serve in Viet Nam, and graduated from Officer Candidate Artillery School at Fort Sill. While in Viet Nam, he served with distinction, earning the Bronze Star, two Air Commendation Medals and many battalion special commendations. He then earned a bachelor degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Denver, Daniels School of Business.

In 1974, he purchased an icon restaurant in San Luis Obispo, CA. He owned the business for 30 years, during which he helped to establish the Downtown Business Improvement Area, and served as president. He was named Young Man of the Year in the city at 34, and served as president of several organizations including St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Parish Council, the annual La Fiesta, SLO Youth Baseball, San Luis Obispo Jaycees, and the area Miss America preliminary. While his sons were in high school, he barbecued in the stadium at every home football game. He served as a city councilman and chaired area political campaigns including the effort for Ronald Reagan. He attended President Reagan's inauguration at the nation's capitol. He retired to Boise, ID., and then moved to Denton in 2007 to be near his adored grandchildren. He served as president of the Greens of Oakmont HOA.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carolee of Denton; sons, Aaron and his wife Brandi of Lantana, TX; and Grant and his wife, Erika, of San Luis Obispo, CA.; grandchildren Ayden and Amelia of Lantana; sister Carole Ruth Davis and her husband William of Glendale, AZ.; brothers Laurence and his wife, Linda of Hesperia, CA., and Daniel and his wife, Wanda of Apple Valley, CA; fourteen nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A man of abounding faith, patriotism and honor, he requested to rest at Fort Sill, where he was commissioned in 1967. The family encourages donations in his name to cancer research and to youth arts and sports programs.

"Not just a man…but an extraordinary man…"