Gerald "Jerry" Henry Scharton, age 75, passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2016. He was born on May 4, 1941, in Fresno, CA, to Henry and Elaine Scharton. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1959. He served as a member of the Air National Guard of California and the Reserve of The United States Air Force. Gerald worked for the Fresno City Fire Department for 20 years, from 1967 to 1987. He also worked for the California State Department of Forestry for a total of 13 years, from 1964 to 1967, and again from 1988 to 1998. Gerald also drove trucks for G & J and Baggie Farms on his days off, as well as owning his own truck. He enjoyed going to Pismo Beach, using the RV, working on his cabin, liked racing and his Chevy trucks. He spent time at Hoosier Tire with his brother, Rick, racing. He also enjoyed farming the ranch with his brother-in-law Ken. Gerald spent his time fishing, riding ATC and motorcycles with family and friends. He enjoyed local car shows and selling Massey-Ferguson tractors. Gerald was an Eucaristic Minister for 13 years with his wife, Donna, at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. He also participated in RCIA programs at St. Anthony's. He enjoyed his dog Andre', who also passed away the day before Jerry. He participated in the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, and the Fresno City Christmas Parade with the fire truck. Gerald is survived by Donna, his wife of 50 years; daughter, Cynthia Letson and her husband Michael; grandchildren, Jake and Jaclyn Curtis; brother, Rick Scharton and his wife Pam; brother-in-law, Ken Hartwig and his wife Betty; his aunt, Pat Scharton; and five nephews, Matt, Eric and Scott Scharton, and Ken and John Hartwig. The family would like to thank his doctors at Kaiser Permanente; and his caregiver Geni. A Funeral Service will be held at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. followed with interment at Belmont Memorial Park. Remembrances may be made to Community Regional Burn Unit, PO Box 1232, Fresno, CA 93715. Stephens & Bean Chapel, 202 North Teilman Avenue, Fresno, California (559)268-9292