Gerald "Gerry" E. Scott

Gerald E. Scott “Gerry”, passed away on March 20, 2025 at Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, Iowa. He was 82 years old. Visitation will be held at 9:00 AM on April 3rd, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 1627 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, Iowa followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM.

Gerry was born on July 13, 1942 and lived in West Des Moines all his life. He was a proud Valley High School graduate where he played football and stayed in contact with his 1960 classmates. Gerry was a US Navy Veteran and assigned to VF151 and served 2 tours aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea.

Gerry was the youngest of three children of M. Ralph and Clarice (Nash) Scott. His brothers Ralph, Bernard and his parents all attended Valley High School.

In 1965 Gerry started his career with the West Des Moines Police Department that ended with over 29 years of service and serving as Chief of Police, retiring October 9, 1997.

Gerry married Lynnette Orebaugh in 1969. They had four children, Charles (Deb) Scott, son Josh; Todd (Shari) Scott, children Mindy, Charlie, Andrew, Christopher, Nicole, Chelsea, Mikey, Todd Jr. and Courtney; Mary Sandra Diaz, son Nathan; and Sam (Amanda) Scott, son Nicklas and daughter Kaitlynn.

Gerry is survived by his wife of two years, Jeanne (Townsend Dawson); her son, Zach, and his daughter Sophia.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, two brothers, three grandsons and a nephew. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and nieces, Debbie Scott Heller (Gary), Karen Scott Robertson (Bill), Sue Scott Hoffman (Bill), Kelly Coleman Patterson (Greg); and sister-in-law, Vicki (Orebaugh) Coleman.

Gerry had a positive impact on many people. He often said, “In all things do the best with what you have been given.” He will be greatly missed.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Sacred Heart School.

A special thanks to the staff at John Stoddard and Taylor House for their compassionate care.

A Livestream of the Mass of Christian Burial will be available at CaldwellParrish.com.