Jerry Dee Plunkett

Jerry Dee Plunkett died on June 10, 2025, of natural causes at the Life Care Center of Waynesville, MO at the age of 97. Jerry was born on February 13, 1928 in Latour, MO to the late Charley A. Plunkett and Ethel (Rockey) Plunkett. He was raised in Clinton, MO with his brothers, the late Charles Plunkett and the late Dale Plunkett. He graduated from Clinton high School. After graduation, Jerry enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was honorably discharged in 1948. Jerry then attended the Missouri University of Science and Technology (fka Missouri School of Mines) where he graduated with a Master of Science degree in Ceramic Engineering. He subsequently attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he completed a PhD in Metallurgy. Jerry married the late Virginia R.L. Wilson in 1954. They enjoyed 51 years together prior to Virginia’s death in 2005. As academics, they enjoyed the company of their many friends in Denver, where they made their home, as well as the rest of the world. They were avid travelers and particularly cherished their many trips to England and Japan. A very accomplished academic and inventor, Jerry was a professor at the University of Denver and retired as Vice Chancellor – Research and Technology Director, Strategic Projects Director. Upon his retirement, Jerry enjoyed the opportunity to pursue his wide variety of interests and businesses. He held seven patents, primarily in specialty material products and their manufacturing processes. During his service in the Air Corps, Jerry became expert at aerial photography and mapping. He spent many months mapping Siberia while flying in a B-29 above the altitude that Russian defenses could reach. In the 1960s, Jerry assisted Coors Brewing Company to develop microfiltration technology that was used during that period. In the mid-1980s, he became President of Montana Economic Revitalization and Development Institute in Butte, Montana. This organization helped to revitalize cities struggling with economic decline as mining resources diminished. Awards and accolades Jerry won include the Poise Grand Design Award in 1997 for his work in constructing the all -fiber composite bridge on a two-mile road west of Russell, KS. Prior winners included Boeing, General Motors, and Ford. In 1973 Jerry was appointed by the U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield (D-UT) as his personal energy adviser. His major activity was to settle a dispute between the Dept. Energy Research and Development and the former Head of NASA concerning the development of coal fired magneto-hydrodynamic technology. In 1972, Jerry provided testimony to Senator Scoop Jackson’s (D-WA) energy committee on the need for additional research and development in renewal energy. Jerry leaves behind two nieces: Gaye Plunkett (Peter Barker) of Chicago, IL and Joye Walker of Iowa City, IA. Others include grand-nieces Natasha (Joe) Sofen and son Colin of Waukee, IA and Erica (Frank) Goodoff and son Anthony of Houston. The family would like to thank Jutta Presnell, Jerry’s personal assistant, for her kindness, patience and many efforts to keep him comfortable during his final years.

Jerry Dee Plunkett

February 13, 1928 - June 10, 2025