Jerome August “Jerry” Valentour was born September 4, 1939, to Joseph Melvin “J.M.” and Kay (Barber) Valentour in Jackson, Mississippi. He passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026, at his home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 86.  Jerry graduated from Central High School in Jackson, Mississippi. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Sergeant. While stationed in Altus, Oklahoma, on a blind date, he met the love of his life, Norene Hawkins, and they were united in marriage on June 10, 1960, at the Sickles Community Church in Sickles, Oklahoma.  During Jerry’s time in the Air Force, the couple lived in Altus, where they began their family, welcoming their son Mark and twin daughters, Jeanna and Janna. After his honorable discharge, they moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where Jerry worked alongside his father at Valentour Milk Dairy. In 1966, they returned to Hinton, Oklahoma, before moving to Crescent, Oklahoma, and then settled in Oklahoma City in 1967, where they would make their home for many years. Jerry worked for Massey Ferguson in Hinton and briefly for Kerr-McGee in Crescent before moving to Oklahoma City, where he worked for Borden Dairy and later began a long and dedicated career with Cummins Diesel Sales and Service as a diesel mechanic. He faithfully served there for 35 years until his retirement.  Jerry was a gifted handyman and a true “do-it-yourself” craftsman. He enjoyed gardening, mechanics, camping, and riding motorcycles. He could fix just about anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand. After retirement, he remained a devoted neighbor and friend, often helping others with repairs and projects. He was actively involved in his church and community, where he and Norene were known for always stepping up to help others, whether through service projects or simply meeting a need.  Together, Jerry and Norene shared a life centered on faith, family, and service. They were longtime members of New Hope United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City and were involved in numerous church activities and ministries. They also enjoyed fellowship through a camping club and a touring bikers motorcycle club. Jerry had a generous spirit, a sharp sense of humor, and a love for good, wholesome fun. He was known for pulling pranks at the shop and keeping those around him laughing. Above all, he was devoted to his wife, often scheduling his life around supporting her in her many activities and endeavors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.M. “Melvin” and Kay Valentour; his beloved wife, Norene Valentour; one sister, Carolyn Bowden and husband Joe; his in-laws, Norman and Clara Hawkins; and two brothers-in-law, Eldon and Dean Hawkins.

Survivors include his children, Mark Valentour and wife Tammy of Beggs, Oklahoma; Jeanna Hasty and husband David of Owasso, Oklahoma; and Janna Story of El Reno, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren, Anieca Valentour, Dustin McClary, Danielle Hasty and husband Daniel Skillern, Lauren Hasty and spouse Stephanie Iervolino, Michael Story, Russell Story and wife Moriah, and Jacob Story and wife Kathryn; and great-grandchildren, Brendan, Evangeline, Zeke, Elliott, Joseph, Judah, Grissom, Niki, Tommy, Rowan, August, and Kato; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the charity or organization of your choice in Jerry’s memory

Viewing will be held Friday, May 8, 2026, at Turner Funeral Home in Hinton from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Sickles Community Church in Lookeba, Oklahoma, with Rev. Jacob Story and Rev. Tom Clifton officiating. A eulogy will be given by Russell Story. Burial will follow in the Hinton Cemetery in Hinton, Oklahoma.

Services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Hinton, OK, Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or on Facebook at facebook.com/TurnerFuneralHomes