The world lost an honorable Christian man, Frank “Jerome” Given, on Friday August 21, 2015.
Jerome was born in Omaha, NE February 26, 1923 to Frank and Hazel (Hatcher) Given. He is survived by his lifelong love and wife of 73 years, Jeannie (Mary Jean McClernon) Given, his four children, Sherry Moran of Omaha, Jeanné Willerth (Joe) of Lee’s Summit, MO, Gary Given of Phoenix, AZ and Gay Lynn Owens (Joe) of Creston, IA, his 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Jerome loved his God, family and life. He also loved racing motorcycles, ice skating, hockey, water skiing, boating, corvettes, flying airplanes and helping people.
A member of the greatest generation, he landed at Omaha Beach, rose to the rank of Captain in the Army 9th Infantry serving under Patton and fought at the Battle of the Bulge. After graduating in 1947 from Creighton University’s Law School, he spent 35 years working for the Union Pacific Railroad. He retired as their General Trial Counsel. He also started the UP’s Aviation Department.
A strong Christian, lifelong Sunday school teacher and Elder, Jerome lived his faith by helping others. He flew countless children to Shrine Hospitals in his plane along with helping many patients for Angel Flight and Lifeline Pilots. He was given the Salvation Army’s “Adult Hero Award” in 2004. He was a member of Pilgrim Christian Church. He willingly shared how blessed he was.
Jerome was a 33rd degree Mason, a member of the York Rite and the Scottish Rite. In 1963, at age 40, he was Tangier Temple’s youngest Shrine Potentate. He had served as director of the Nebraska Masonic Youth Foundation and Chairman of the Board for the Scottish Rite in Omaha. He was a long time member of the Omaha Rotary Club and was awarded the “Service Above Self” award in 2010. He served as a councilman for the City of Elkhorn and was past president of the Homeowners Association of Skyline Ranches.
He learned to fly in 1943 and in 2006 was given a Master Pilot Award from the FAA for 64 years of safe flying. He flew everything from single and multi-engine aircraft to jets.
Jerome was an avid sports enthusiast and public speaker. He was on the European Theater Hockey Championship Team (1945-6) and won the European Theater Speed Skating Champion for 1500 meters (1946). He played hockey and raced motorcycles professionally while working his way through law school and won the bike races at Sturgis, SD (1948). He also was past president of the Omaha Figure Skating Club and was a show water-skier. He was always willing to speak on various topics especially the “Trials of Christ” to share his faith.
Friday, (8/28/2015) Visitation 5-7 PM, Saturday (8/29/15) 9:45 Masonic Service, Funeral at 10:00 AM at Roeder Mortuary 2727 N. 108th Street Omaha, NE. The family suggests memorials to Angel Flight Central, 10 Richards Road, Kansas City, MO 64116 or the Tangier Shrine Children’s Transportation Fund 2823 S. 84th Street Omaha, NE 68124.
I appreciate the letter you sent us. Jean Givin is a 1st cousin. I received today a call from a friend of Pat McClernon Orcutt , the youngest sister of Jean. She died two days ago according to a friend in Nevada. We met her when the McClernon reunion was held in Nevada. I sent you a letter after I received your letter.
Pat Orcutt is the grandchild who placed the monument over Grandma McClernon grave in Las Cruces. I also have the data from the family I collected.
Richard, We would appreciate any information you have on Pat. We had tried to reach her but were unable. Thanks. Jean’s daughter, Jeanné
We will always remember Jerome as a caring and cheerful man. His lovely wife Jeannie and his family were the love of his life. Jerome spent his life helping others thru their darkest days. His motto “service above self” he passed on to his daughter, Sherri. At his 92nd birthday party he told us he realized Sherri “now is extending to me the helping hand I extended to others in my life.” Some of his fondest memories were taking his granddaughter, Christie, to many Masonic social gatherings. Christie didn’t forget this, and as the years went by, she shared her time and love for Jerome with her daughter Kiera and her son Colin. They brought many hours of happiness to Jerome
.Jerome enjoyed meeting his friends every week at Village Inn to discuss the world affairs and sharing a piece of pie and a cup of coffee. Conversation was a trademark of Jerome. He was well read and knowledgeable on so many topics. He was a dapper man, a snappy dresser, and a grand gentleman!
Jerome, you will never be forgotten Your love for your God, for your family and friends, and for your country should be an inspiration to us all!
Dear Gay, Joe, and family,
One of the best dads and men in the world was Jerome Given. I will not forget his generosity and love for others. He was a great dad and showed up at his family horse barn to treat all the riders and friends for coffee! He always was nice to every one! He was careful to love. his family, church and community he lived in. We will always remember his kindness and consideration for others. We will be glad to see him again someday with Jesus in heaven.!!!!!!
Dear Gay, Joe and family,
Your Dad is by far the. best in the world for many reasons.!!!! You had the dearest of dads and I will not forget the generous , loving man that he was. I thank God that he lived his life to love his family, his church and the community that he lived in. He did live his faith in God by his love and laughter and caring for others. I was privileged to know him and know his lovely family. They were the best in caring and sharing their lives with me. I loved their happiness in raising beautiful horses! Gerome was a happy man because he cared about others! We will see him with Jesus some day! Love, Margey K.
Bruce and I were heartbroken to hear this news. What a wonderful man. He flew Bruce to Craig hospital which helped to change Bruce’s life. He once took us to the north airport in his, and his friends, corvettes. Then he took us for a flight just for fun. We will miss him so very much. Prayers to all of you. Thank you for calling Sherri.