Jerry Lynn Dearing

Jerry L. Dearing, age 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Heritage Place Assisted Living & Memory Care in Burleson, Texas.

Jerry was born April 7, 1942 in Big Springs, Texas to Jack and Laura (Bird) Dearing. He graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1960; his adult life was full of large laughs, messy tackle boxes, and overwhelming love.

Jerry served his country in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. His bravery during the Vietnam War earned him the Bronze Star medal. He was known by his fellow veterans as a natural leader, creating community in the barracks through friendship and laughter, even at his own expense. Being around Jerry meant immediately feeling at ease, smiling, and laughing until your sides hurt. He met each challenge in life with a light-hearted sense of humor and a stubborn refusal to give up.

After returning from the war, Jerry worked in computer software for over 45 years. In May of 1981, he married Donna Perkins of Grand Prairie, Texas. He loved nothing more than “wearing his boots out” on the dance floor to Merle Haggard or Willie Nelson. Some of Jerry’s happiest moments took place on the water with fishing pole in hand. Though the size of fish seemed to grow with each story retelling, fishing was truly Jerry’s way to relax. Whether you were a loved one or complete stranger, spending time with Jerry meant hearing these stories---you would walk away feeling like a close, trusted friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife Donna of 37 years; son, Todd and wife, Tracey; son, Justin and wife, Caty; daughter, Dana and husband, Karl; 3 grandchildren: Kasey, Kassidy, and Kinleigh; two brothers, Jimmy and Joe; and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Laura, and brother, Johnny.