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Jerry Putman Obituary

Jerry Dale Putman was born May 12, 1934 to Mable and Harvey Putman in Comanche, Okla. He died peacefully on March 12, 2014, after receiving wonderful care at Azura Memory Care Center surrounded by his loving family.

He attended schools in Fullerton, Calif. He joined the army in 1953, serving in the 10th Special Forces in Bad Tolz, Germany until 1956.

He married La Vonne Foss in 1954 and they remained married for 59 years until his death. He graduated summa cum laude from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

He spent 39 years in law-enforcement, 22 years as police Chief in Aurora, Colo. (1970-1978), Bloomington, Minn. (1978-1987) and Hemet, Calif. (1987-1992). He then served in the United States Marshalls Service (1992-1994). He retired in Monument, Colo., enjoying the mountains, friends and family.

He is survived by his wife La Vonne, of Monument, Colo.; his children Steven Putman of St. Croix Falls, Wis., Keith Putman (Denise) of Denver, Colo., Jim Putman (Lisa) of Clarksville, Tenn. and Susan Turner (Matthew) of Monument, Colo.; by his grandchildren Jackie Putman (Johnny Rathbun), Christine Putman (Brant Landers), Jason Putman, Michael Putman, Quinn Turner, Ian Turner and his great-granddaughter Louise Landers.

Celebration of his life will be held at the Monument Hill Country Club from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Saturday, March 22. A formal memorial service will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Mar. 19, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Putman

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Jolita McDaniel

April 13, 2018

Sorry to read these four years later of Jerry's passing. I did not know him well, but how uplifting to read your condolences of those who did know him and admired him. I was a friend of his beautiful wife, Lavonne, and just want to send my love and prayers for her and the family. I pray that you are well and healthy, and bless you for your sweet friendship. I am so happy to read you and Jerry were married so long, and am sorry you've had to carry on without him. Much love, and angels around you, Lavonne. Jolita

Robert Hottenstein

April 25, 2014

I thank Chief of Police Jerry Putman for allowing me "The Best of Times" as a Peace Officer when I served under his command in Aurora, Colorado.

Chief Putman helped me establish a high moral ethic, and uncompromising sense of justice in my early days as a Aurora Police Officer.

The departmental standards he set when it came to Protecting & Serving The Public were higher than any standards I encountered in my 27 years of law enforcement work at the city, state, and federal level.

I never met them, but I would imagine Jerry's parents Mabel & Harvey were very proud of their Son, and what he did to make his country safer and a better place to live and raise children. I know that I am proud I had the honor to know him.

I saw Chief Jerry Putman buck the political system, and go contrary to the forces that hired him if it was needed to protect his officers. I never knew him to parlay his position or his badge to gain personal advantage or favor.

In my personal experience of Chief Putman he always embodied honesty, equity, generosity, and brotherhood as a guide to daily, professional relations.

To me, as much as any of my childhood heroes like Marshal Dillon or The Lone Ranger, Police Chief Jerry Putman will always be the "Real Deal", a real "Hero" in my life.

Thank You Chief...Happy Trails!

Bob Hottenstein
Patrolman, Aurora Police Department 1973

dru

April 2, 2014

Hi to all the Family and all my love. I've tried twice before to get this memory to you but never was able to get it posted.

I remember Jerry as FUN!

My first memory of him was at Matt and Sue's Reception West when he and I sat in the corner of the kitchen and laughed about Debbie's strong coffee; even for a strong coffee drinker like Jerry; we had to add water.

I will remember him as a father of wonderul children, a husband that took his wife fun places, a witty man with a soupcon of satire, and just plain fun. Remember the FUN. xxx ooo Auntie (sister) dru

Debbie Ojeda

April 1, 2014

We are sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. The news of his death brings much sadness. He was a wonderful person, smart and kind. Jerry will be sincerely missed.
Love, Ojeda Family

March 24, 2014

La Vonne and Jerry - Summer 2013

Love from Vernon & Dru

Ronald Sloan

March 20, 2014

I will always remember Jerry Putman as the man who first professionalized the Aurora Police Department. Personally, he hired me as a police officer, affording me the first opportunity to serve the community as a police officer. I will be forever indebted to him for his wisdom, guidance, and for the trust he placed in me. He was truly the initial inspiration for a lifetime of public service.

Candy Turner-Santacroce

March 19, 2014

A memorable man who will always be dear to our hearts. Much love from the Santacroce family.

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