Jerry Otis Arthur Veach

August 10, 1938 – March 7, 2026

Jerry Otis Arthur Veach, 87, of Kelseyville, California, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of March 7, 2026. A kind, quiet man with a twinkle in his eye and an inventive mind, Jerry was known to all as a troubleshooter who could fix just about anything.

Born on August 10, 1938, in Crescent, Oklahoma, to Oscar and Nina Fern (McClure) Veach, Jerry’s life was defined by a 10-year career in the United States Air Force (1961–1971). Serving as a Communications Maintenance Supervisor during the Vietnam era, he was a Craftsman responsible for the complex teletype and cryptographic systems that kept the military’s global networks running, both overseas and in the States. He brought that same technical knowledge to his civilian career, calibrating the heads-up displays for F-16 and F-18 fighter jets at Kaiser Electronics in San Jose, Jerry was the one people trusted to get the most complicated equipment back in working order. He also spent many years as a vital part of the maintenance shop at the Masonite plant in Ukiah.

Beyond his professional life, Jerry was a man of many talents and interests. He was a small-business owner in television repair, a teacher of stained glass art and woodwork, and a dedicated DIYer who transformed his ranch into a place where he could build his ideas. He was famous for having a dozen projects in motion at any given time—from creating a beautiful koi pond and garden to tending to his livestock. While some projects remained 'works in progress,' his home was filled with his creative energy and his knack for dreaming up new plans and making them real.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife and partner in life, Margaret Veach; his first spouse, Elvira Fontaine; his children, Kamy Maxwell-Vella (John), Michael Veach, and Christopher Veach; his sisters, Virginia Goebel and Lucy Stugart; and his grandchildren, Jennifer (Maxwell) Nymeyer, Kyle Maxwell, Tyler, Josh, and Kristina Veach, and many great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Jesse, Oscar Jr., Frank, and John.

In accordance with Jerry’s wishes, a private cremation will be held.