Kyle Jackson Cherry

Kyle Jackson Cherry of Wasilla, AK passed away at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, Palmer on August 5, 2019. He was born in Celina, TN August 24, 1941 to Ray Kenneth and Mary Elizabeth Kyle Cherry who predeceased him. Reared in Old Town Kyle graduated as valedictorian of his Celina High School class. He graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt with a degree in civil engineering and worked for the Corps of Engineers tasked with building Cordell Hull Dam, erecting the tall communication tower near Dale Hollow Dam and inspecting the construction problems with Wolf Creek Dam. Leaving the Corps he taught high school at Hermitage Springs High School before going back to Vanderbilt earning a masters degree in environmental engineering. In 1970 he pursued a dream by moving to Alaska and working for the state as an inspector of oil platforms, dams, water and waste water systems and the Alaska pipe line. Kyle also worked for the Alaska Parks Department. Kyle loved the beauty and wildness of 50th state. He survived the long lonely dark winters of his new state by immersing himself in dog sledding having over 30 dogs at one time. Back surgeries caused him to give up this large part of his life. Kyle was a Scout master for over 15 years first in Celina then in Alaska. He led his scouts to Philmont Scout Ranch, Minnesota lake portages, White Mountain Pass and numerous hikes, camping trips and bike treks. Kyle had a prison ministry wherein he taught several inmates the skills necessary to become water treatment plant operators. His last dogs Jesse, Belle and Mike were life sparks and their passing took a little of him with them. Kyle was a proud unreconstructed Southerner. His was a life well lived enriching those who got to know him. He is survived by his wife Janet Cherry of Colorado Springs, CO; brothers Kenneth (Linda) Cherry of Nolensville, TN and William (Becky) Cherry of Bloomington, IL nieces and nephews. No services are planned at this time.