Kerry Wages, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and decorated veteran, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, in Plano, Texas, at the age of 75.
Born on September 19, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, Kerry was the son of Joe Enis Wages and Alberta Marie (Mills) Wages. He grew up in Fort Worth, where he attended local schools and graduated from Polly High School. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on March 4, 1968.
Kerry served with distinction in the Vietnam Conflict as a Mechanics Crew Chief and Helicopter Gunner. His valor and dedication earned him numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Aircrew Insignia Air Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and several Good Conduct Medals. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant on March 3, 1972. Even in his later years, Kerry remained active in the veteran community through his involvement with VFW Post 3530 in Richardson, Texas.
On July 30, 1969, Kerry married his high school sweetheart, Vicki Crouch. Together they built a loving family, welcoming their daughter Angela in 1970 and son Ryan in 1978. Their enduring marriage of 56 years stands as a testament to their unwavering bond.
Professionally, Kerry dedicated himself to the travel industry, leading teams with integrity and enthusiasm at Frontier Airlines, CUC Travel, Wyndham Jade, and MCI. His career took him and his family to several cities across the country—Memphis, Kansas City, Denver, Salt Lake City, Boston—before they settled back in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 1994. Throughout these moves, Kerry cultivated lasting friendships and never strayed far from his love of the outdoors. Whether hunting or fishing, he found joy and solace in nature.
Kerry is survived by his devoted wife, Vicki; his daughter, Angela Wages (Joe); his son, Ryan Wages (Meridyth); three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a large circle of extended family and dear friends. He will be remembered for his steadfast loyalty, warm heart, and the pride he took in both his service and his family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/kerry-joe-wages. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
A private graveside service will be held at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests you consider donating in Kerry’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project:
https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/campaign/Kerry-Wages