Jerry Lee Pastine

Jerry was born in Cassity, West Virginia, on April 10, 1941, to the late Stanley and Edith Pastine.

He had one brother, George Pastine, and a sister, Linda Kimbel, that had both preceded him in death.

He grew up in Mabie, West Virginia, surrounded by his family and friends, where he led an idyllic, yet mischievous childhood on the family farm playing from dusk till dawn with a special cousin, Gary Paul. He exhibited a love of aviation at a young age, a characteristic Jerry carried with him his entire life. After graduating from Coalton High School with the Class of 1959, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army as a Helicopter Mechanic, where he served for three years and obtained the rank of Private First Class. While in the service of his country, Jerry was stationed in Germany. During this time of his life, Jerry was able to tour many countries in Europe and visit the “DePastino” ancestral home city of Frosinone, Italy.

Once honorably discharged from military service, Jerry returned home and met the love of his life, Elizabeth Joanne Ramsey. The two were married in Marlinton, West Virginia, on Sept. 5, 1964.

In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by two daughters, Jeri Lea Pastine (Todd) of Elkins, West Virginia, and Juli McKee (Keith) of Orlando, Florida; granddaughters, Kelsi Trippett (Courtney) of Elkins, West Virginia, Ashley Daft (Kevin) of Elkins, West Virginia, and Lauren Montoya (Sebastian) of Clermont, Florida; and great-grandchildren, Carter Washington, Elliott, Carson and Alexis Riffle, and Luna Montoya.

Jerry is also survived by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and the “son he never had” Jason Snyder.

Jerry retired from Columbia Gas Transmission Corp. after 34 years and had been a Superintendent for the Elkins service area. His aviation enthusiasm manifested itself in many forms. This obsession started with building and flying model airplanes as a young boy and progressed into hang gliding, becoming a Private Pilot, building his own ultralight plane, which he named Pogo, owning and piloting multiple airplanes including his beloved J-3 Cub. Jerry’s fascination with model airplanes continued into his later years and was shared with his flying buddies in the “old geezers flying club” and developed into his interest in drones. This crossed over with his love of photography. Jerry had a true eye for recognizing beautiful images. His photos are displayed all over Elkins and throughout the State of West Virginia. Another passion of his, was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Jerry and Joanne rode many miles and saw many sights in their retirement years. He made many lifelong friends of whose friendship he cherished.

Jerry was a 50-year Master Mason as a member of Elkins Lodge No. 108 AF & AM, Elkins Chapter 35 Royal Arch Masons, Pilgrim Commandry No. 21, Clarksburg Valley Orient of Scottish Rite Masons and Tygart Valley Scottish Rite Masons Club, Tygart Valley Shrine Club, Osiris Shrine of Wheeling and Osiris Klowns Unit, where he was often seen dressed as a clown, driving his golf cart and handing out stuffed animals to children along parade routes. Jerry was a member of the Elkins Pilots Club and founding member of TVAA, the Tygarts Valley Aviation Association, and along with a group of this fellow pilots and friends, formed the “Dancing 172’s” and performed at local airshows. Jerry was a member of the Cathedral of Prayer and was a Methodist by faith.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 26, from the funeral home chapel. with Rev. Dr. Basil A. Hensley officiating.

Interment will follow at Elkins Memorial Gardens on the Airport Road, where members of Elkins Lodge No. 108 AF & AM will conduct ritualistic ceremony.

Full military honors will be accorded by the West Virginia National Guard Honor Guard Program, HW Daniels Post 29 American Legion and Tygart Valley Post 3647 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Jerry will also be honored with a missing man aerial fly over conducted by his close pilot friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Young Eagles organization, promoting the love of aviation in young children, through the Elkins Chapter of EAA, 400 Airport Road, Elkins, WV 26241 in memory of Jerry.

The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Jerry Lee Pastine.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.