Jerry Dale Kimble, 76, passed away in his home June 13.

Jerry was born July 19, 1939, in Strasburg, Colo., to Orval and Bernice Kimble. His family moved to Caldwell, Idaho, in 1944, where he finished high school and worked in youth ministries.

In 1957, he took a trip to Burns to see his brother’s family. It was supposed to be a weekend trip, but he spotted a beautiful young lady who lived across the street, and he never left. On June 6, 1959, he married Rosa Lee Fones, and they shared 57 amazing years together. She was truly the love of his life. Jerry always absolutely adored her.

He worked for Dalton’s Distributing in the morning and at Edward Hines Lumber Company during the night until he became ill when he was 34. He had double pneumonia and meningitis. He was in a comatose state for 12 days and was told he would never walk again. He proved them wrong, but lived in extreme pain the rest of his life.

Jerry built onto their home in 1966 so Rosie could open Kimble’s Floral and crafts. She wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, but work too. At this time, he started helping Bob Solliday at the local funeral home and continued to help Jim LaFollette when he took over the business. They became incredibly close friends. A few years later, the business moved downtown where Ribbons and Roses currently resides, and it became Kimble’s Floral and Jewelry. They operated this business until the early 80s. They also operated a day-care center for three years during this time that sat in the house just behind the old Tiller market. Jerry had a great love for children and always wanted to be a youth minister.

They purchased Ye Olde Castle in 1981. Rosie will continue to operate the restaurant and Antique Emporium.

Jerry had a great love for people and was incredibly proud to be the Exalted Ruler in the Burns Elks Lodge (1988-1989). He served on the Burns City Council for three years, and was a very active and loud member of the Hilander Booster Club while his children were in school. Everyone knew when he was at an event. The kids could always hear him whether they were on the wrestling mat, football field, or basketball court.

Jerry loved to ride motorcycles, snowmobiles, and to fly his old Stinson tail dragger. He taught both of his children to fly. Jerry and Rosie traveled often with both the local motorcycle group and the Antique Car Club. They developed lifelong friendships and a lot of great memories. For years, he enjoyed reminiscing with his friends at the “bull table,” which still resides in Ye Olde Castle. He was always ready to lend a hand or stop and help a complete stranger on the side of the road. He taught his children to love and have great compassion for the fellow man. Any child who entered the restaurant usually left with a stuffed animal. He loved to see them smile.

Jerry and Rosie loved to travel throughout the states and never missed a Reno Air Show or Hot August Nights for years before his illness made it too difficult to travel. Lady luck was usually on his side when playing the slot machines.

His wife and children meant the world to him, as did all of his family. Becoming a parent, then a grandfather, brought him tremendous joy. Jerry is loved by many!

He is survived by his wife, Rosie Kimble of Burns; children, Scott Kimble (Celi) of Longbranch, N.J., and Shannon Livingood of Vancouver, Wash.; sister, Belva Bradach (George) of Burns; brother-in-law, John Fones (Betty) of Burns; sisters-in-law, Dona Tiller (Gary) of Hines, Mary Boushey of Burns, Linda McManus (Billy) of New Meadows, Idaho, Jodie DesIlets (Rick) of Burns, Priscilla Kimble of Cortez, Colo., and Floy Hair of Burns; grandchildren, Angeline Starbuck, Amanda Kimble, Casey Kimble, Sierra Kimble, Jacob Kimble, Geran Livingood, Yvonne Goodson, Kayanna Livingood, Danica Goodson and Ben Livingood; eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Orval and Bernice Kimble; siblings, Valgene, Jack, Doris, Jim and Junior (Orval); brothers-in-law, Frank Shafer and Richard (Dick) Boushey; nieces, Angela Daniels and Tonya Fones Hendrix (Wade); and nephew, Joe Bradach.

Because of medical expenses incurred, the Burns Elks Lodge has offered to hold a benefit dinner and auction July 16. More details to follow.

A celebration of life was held June 19, at Triangle Park.