Gerald (Jerry) Howard Elison, known as "Mr. E" to many, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2019. He was born on June 16, 1930, in Oakley, Idaho to Solomon Frederick and Gertrude Amelia Halverson Elison. He was the 6th of 7 children and grew up on the family farm in Oakley. He spent his spare time directing plays on the back porch and front lawn. His love for theater continued through High School and College. Jerry graduated from Oakley High School. During the Korean War, Jerry served as company clerk in the 518 Military Police Battalion after which he was in the Army Reserves for another 6 years. He attended Utah State University and graduated from Brigham Young University with a Masters Degree in Education Administration. Mr E began his career teaching as a Principal of an elementary school, but spent most of his time in the classroom teaching choir, English, Drama, and Stage Crew. Jerry spent 50+ years teaching in Alpine School District. His real love was being on stage and teaching young people his love of theater. In addition to teaching and directing in schools, he also performed and directed throughout Utah County, including Sundance Summer Theatre, Hale Center Theater, and SCERA Theater, among many others. He has received many awards for his community service. Jerry was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on November 15, 1957, to Barbara Carol Neeley, an excellent pianist and teacher. They recently celebrated their 62nd Anniversary. They have 7 children. Jerry was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and faithfully served in many church callings, including three Single Adult Bishoprics and on a Stake High Council. His favorite calling was playing the piano in Primary for over 20 years. Jerry loved people and said of those he worked with: "I want them to remember the good times we shared together and the things that we were able to do in theater. I want them to remember the associations they've had with people and the fun of telling a story and being together and making it come alive for those who come to see it. That it's been a good remembrance for them; that they have happy memories of it and good feelings of it." He is survived by his wife, Barbara, their 7 children: Lori (Doug) Edwards, Kerry (Reed) Murray, Laurie (Brent) Schoch, Chris (Michele), Eric (Jennifer), Kip (Diana), Kurt (Kathi), 28 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, his brother, Jim, and sister, Ina Lou. A viewing will be held Friday, December 27, 6:00-8:00 PM at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home (646 E 800 N Orem). A viewing will also be held Saturday, December 28, 9:30-10:30 AM, followed by a funeral at 11:00 AM at the Sharon Stake Center (550 S 800 E Orem). In lieu of flowers please donate to the SCERA-Jerry Elison scholarship fund. Call the box office at 801-225-ARTS. Condolences offered to the family at www.walkersanderson.com In lieu of flowers please donate to the Scera-Jerry Elison scholarship fund. Call the box office at 801-225-ARTS.