Gerald Mark Loomis

Gerald “Jerry” Mark Loomis, a lifelong resident of Arkansas City, age 84, passed away June 29, 2023 at the home of his daughter, Tiffany in Oklahoma City, OK.

He was born in St. Louis, MO on June 22, 1939 and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was a Navy veteran stationed in Key West, FL on the USS Chopper serving as a refrigeration and air mechanic. He eloped with his wife, Carolyn, and was married on August 5, 1961 in Miami, OK days before reporting for duty. They had three children Velvet, Mark and Tiffany and were married 50 years before her death. Jerry was employed by Western Manufacturing, an elevator company started by his father, Charles Mark Loomis, as well as Strother Field in Winfield, KS. He eventually started his own business in Strother Field, Loomis Body Works, specializing in the restoration and painting of antique cars which was his passion. He received many awards for his painting and restoration work at various car shows. Jerry was involved in many local car clubs and for many years drove the first car he owned a 1924 Model T Ford in the Arkalalah Parade in Arkansas City with his family. He received a degree in Business Administration from Wichita State University in 1969 and became an avid fan of Wichita State University. After many years in the auto restoration business, he spent his remaining working years at The Boeing Company as a production engineer until he retired.

Jerry was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Arkansas City and helped serve meals on Wednesday evenings as he was able.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Beck Loomis, his parents, Charles Mark Loomis and Dorothy Spinny Loomis, his sister Patricia Loomis Maben and his son Mark Loomis. He is survived by his daughters, Velvet Loomis Shogren (Bruce), Tiffany “Tippi” Loomis, daughter in-law, Cindy Mingle Loomis, brother, Edwin “Eddie” Loomis, four granddaughters, Ashley Shogren, Stephanie Shogren Wares (Garrett), Rachel Shogren English (Benjamin) and Madison Loomis, and three great granddaughters, Adeline English, Chloe Wares and Sydney English.

A private graveside service will be held in Arkansas City on September 9, 2023. A celebration of life barbeque will follow at approximately 12:30 pm at the home of his daughter, Velvet Shogren, in Wichita, KS. Friends and family are welcome to attend and celebrate Jerry’s life. Arrangements are in the care of the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Arkansas City.