Jerry Lee Manuel

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jerry Lee Manuel, aged 94, of Olympia, Wa, who left us on July 24, 2024.

Jerry was born on November 25, 1929, in Mamou, LA, Evangeline Parish. He attended Vidrine K-12 School and lived there until he was 10 years old. He then moved to Lake Charles, LA, where he resided until he turned 18. At that point, in 1947, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Basic Training Instructor from 1948 to 1950.

In 1950, Jerry was deployed during the Korean War and was wounded in August of that year. After being hospitalized in Japan, he returned to combat for an additional six months. From 1951 to 1952, he was stationed in Japan, where he met his wife, Sachiko Shudo. They were married in 1952 in Orange, Texas.

In 1953, Jerry was stationed in Germany and attended Combat Intelligence School through 1956. After returning to the United STates, he entered military flight school. He served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot from 1962 to 1963 and again from 1967 to 1968, flying over 1,000 combat missions during these deployments. His military service earned him numerous accolades, including three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Medals, 40 Air Medals, and the Combat Infantry Badge (Blue Badge of Courage).

After his military service, Jerry worked for Washington State Fisheries from 1987 to 1997 in the Fish Culture and Salmon Division. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hiking, mountain climbing, fishing and taking photos of his adventures in his treasured Washington State wilderness. He liked sharing emails and having coffee with his friends.

He is survived by his three children, LaVerne, Landy and Lisa; and his grandchildren Larisa, Severiano, Rachael and Carson. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elvena Courville, and father, Leza Manuel, brother, Melvin and sister Ellen.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on August 18, 2024 at 12pm at Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98503.

In memory of Jerry, please consider donating or volunteering to the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group at pnwsalmoncenter.org.

Condolences and memories can be sent online at Neptunesociety.com