Jerry Wayne Searcy

Jerry Wayne Searcy, of Clifton, Colorado, passed away on April 22, 2026, at the age of 86 surrounded by his children Tauni (Searcy) Crefeld and Wade Searcy along with close friends.

Jerry was born on January 1, 1940, in Albany, Missouri, to Clifford and Phoebe (Mahoney) Searcy, the 14th child out of a family of 15 children. The family moved to Buffalo, Wyoming when Jerry was 4. Jerry grew up on a ranch, breaking horses, and milking and herding cows. Jerry was an avid reader and checked out every book in his school library. He was the first in his family to attend college, putting himself through school and graduating from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor degree in Biological Sciences. At the University, he was in ROTC and joined the Rifle team, and earned a letter for sharpshooting. He later earned a Masters in Guidance Counseling from South Dakota State University.

Following his graduation, Jerry was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. He also married Jill Proctor who he had met at the University of Wyoming. Jerry proudly served in the United States Air Force for 21 years, achieving the rank of Major. After his training, he served at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, WA, Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Minot AFB, North Dakota. During the Vietnam War, he flew more than 300 missions as a B-52 Bomber navigator, demonstrating exceptional courage, skill, and commitment to his country.

In his later years, Jerry returned to his ranching roots and became involved in breaking and promoting the adoption of wild horses. He bought a horse ranch that allowed him to board and train up to 8 horses at once. Jerry trained the horses, and was a friend and mentor of anyone who boarded their horse on his land. His ranch became a gathering place and community center for anyone who loved horses. He also loved history, and archeology and could point out just about every bit of rock art between Grand Junction and Utah.

Jerry is survived by: his sister Joyce (Searcy) Shoumaker, his children Tauni (Jon), Wade (Wendy), and his two grandchildren Jono Crefeld and Thomas Searcy, who will remember him for his generosity, strength, work ethic, and the quiet, stubborn wisdom he carried throughout his life.

He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held on May 17, 2026 at the location where the Friends of the Mustangs always met, Mesa County Sheriffs Posse Grounds, 648 25 Road, Grand Junction CO, 81505 from 1:00 to 5:00PM.

To contribute to a cause he loved, donate to the Friends of the Mustangs at www.friendsofthemustangs.org or Piceance Mustangs at www.piceancemustangs.org