Jerry Wayne Carriger

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry Wayne Carriger, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and cousin on August 21, 2023. Jerry was born and raised in Tulare, California to parents Robbie (Hodson) Carriger and Wayne Clay Carriger. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 25 years, Victoria McKenzie Carriger; three children, Daniel Paul Carriger of Dothan, Alabama; Laurie Beth Yuenger (Shaun) of Fairbanks, Alaska; Timothy Matthew Harry (Amanda) of Visalia, California and Susan Berry of Montana, his first wife and mother of his two oldest children. Adding immensely to the joy in his life, Jerry had six grandchildren; Anthony (19), Jeremy (16), Ariel (11), Kyleigh (6) and Cambria (2). He joins in heaven previously departed Alyssa. Jerry loved sports throughout his life. In his younger years he played a lot of baseball, softball and volleyball. During his time at COS he was on the varsity tennis team. As part of his active life, he also enjoyed fishing and camping with his family and friends in the Sierras. He is renowned for having successfully climbed Mount Whitney on four different occasions; first, with his son Daniel on a scouting trip, once with his backpacking buddies, again with his wife Victoria and lastly with his daughter Laurie and son-in-law Shaun. He often joked with his wife that he would like to have his ashes scattered at the summit of Mount Whitney. His daughter Laurie is seriously considering making this happen. In retirement, Jerry found enormous enjoyment in the game of golf. He always looked forward to playing with the "old codgers" at least four times a week at Valley Oaks. Besides sports Jerry also loved photography, he competed in amateur photography competitions and developed his photos in the darkroom he had in his film days. He was proud to tell his friends that his daughter, who received her first lessons from him, followed in his footsteps and became a professional photographer. Although he dedicated 40 plus years to Tulare District Hospital as a clinical laboratory scientist, when he was younger he entertained the idea of becoming a doctor. To his delight and joy his son Daniel became a doctor. His youngest, stepson Timothy, became a California State Peace Officer, a decision that Jerry greatly admired. Jerry traveled extensively with his wife Victoria visiting such great places as Yellowstone, The Big Five in Utah and New York City. They were fortunate to have also toured Italy, France, Croatia, England and Ireland, among other locations. Many more trips were on the docket before Jerry became ill with pancreatic cancer. Jerry always loved a party and hosted many in the beautiful home he designed and built along with his wife in 2005. He also loved old tunes from the 60's especially the Beach Boys. Therefore, Jerry's passing will be properly honored with a Celebration of Life to take place at The Gardens in Tulare on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 3pm. For all who cared for and loved Jerry we hope to see you there. In lieu of flowers, Jerry would appreciate donations be made to his favorite charity, St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Jerry Wayne Carriger

July 6, 1950 - August 21, 2023