Jon Eyerly 1941-2023

By | November 16, 2023

SALEM, Ore. — Jon Eyerly, 82, the third generation of the family to run the former Eyerly Aircraft Co. here, passed away Nov. 6 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and related complications.

He was born in Salem on March 17, 1941, to Jack V. and June Eyerly and spent his early years at Cascade and South Salem High Schools.

After high school he joined the family business, which was founded in 1930 by his grandfather, Lee. Jon’s first task was sweeping floors before being promoted into the manufacturing process to assemble light strings for the rides.

At age 21, Jon operated the family’s new spectacular Monster ride at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. He then drove trucks to deliver equipment to customers before being named manager of the Eyerly shop.

Though Lee Eyerly first made a name for himself as an aviation expert, it was the development of amusement rides that propelled the business into the spotlight.

By the late 1930s, the company changed its focus from flight simulators to the production of thrill rides such as the Loop-O-Plane and Roll-O-Plane. Despite transitioning into the ride business, Eyerly didn’t change the company name or logo.

Other popular attractions patented by Eyerly included the Octopus, Spider, Rock-O-Plane and Monster. Many Eyerly rides still operate at amusement parks and with traveling shows today. It is said that the company produced around 1,800 rides during its years in business.

Jack Eyerly took the helm of the company when Lee retired in the 1950s and Jon operated Eyerly Aircraft during its final years leading up to 1990.

Jon Eyerly carried on the family legacy and held several patents of his own – most notably the Krazy Kars. He finished a long, distinguished career in the industry with Funtastic Traveling Shows of Portland, Ore.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Susan; his two daughters, Tara Isaac and Mandy Harrell, both of Salem; and his stepchildren Adam Albrich, Annandale, Va., and Amy Albrich, Salem. He has 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Nov. 17 at Salem Evangelical Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jon’s name to Serenity Hospice of Salem.