Roll Call Tribute

Jaryl "Jary" Kraig Kerekes
February 27, 1938 - August 31, 2020

Jaryl "Jary" Kraig Kerekes passed away on August 31st, 2020 at age 82.

Jary was born on February 27, 1938 in Los Angeles, CA to Jean and Alexander Kerekes. He received his bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the Texas A&M in 1960, and his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from San Jose State in 1966. On July 10, 1965, He married Sharon Marie Baxter. They raised three sons, Brian, Kevin, and Jason.

He was stationed with the Air Force in 1960 in Great Falls, Montana and was honorably discharged as 1st Lieutenant on July 1963. He then joined the USAFR (Air Force Reserve) and was discharged as Captain of April 1973.

His employment started in Sunnyvale, CA where he worked for Lockheed before moving to Centennial where he worked for Martin Marietta (which later became Lockheed-Martin). He spent over 40 years between the two companies. His accomplishments at Martin Marietta was working on the Mars/Viking Project where he spearheaded the project for the Viking Rover on Mars. Over his 40+ years in the aerospace industry he received numerous awards such as the Technical Achievement Award from Martin Marietta, Operational Performance Award but most notably the prestigious award of the "Jefferson Cup" in 1991.

He enjoyed doing yard work, tending to his garden. He also enjoyed making things with his kids as making a homemade go-kart, doing home remodeling and later in his retirement years of doing geocaching with his wife and son Jason. Bowling was another passion of his with his wife, Sharon. Gambling in Blackhawk, Las Vegas and Laughlin was another way for Jary and his wife to pass the time and won several jackpots. In addition, he volunteered as a tax advisor for many years in Denver, CO.

He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Sharon Kerekes of Centennial CO, three children: son Brian (spouse Ale) of Parker CO, son Kevin (spouse Cody) of Papillion NE, son Jason (partner Vincent) of Black Forest CO, and seven grandchildren: Kiarra, Rylee, McKenna, Peyton, Craig, Connor and Kyle.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, services are limited to those who the family has invited.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the pulmonary fibrosis foundation: https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/PFFTribute/JarylKerekes