Dr. John Leland Gerloff, Jr.

23, from cancer and dementia.

He was surrounded by family and loved ones. The service will be held at 2:00 on Friday at Laurel Land in Fort Worth. Visitation will be the night before on Thursday from 5 to 8 at Laurel Land Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Union Gospel Mission, 1350 E. Lancaster, Suite 120, Fort Worth, Texas 76102

John Leland Gerloff, Jr was born in Clifton Texas, December 16, 1937 to John Leland and Mary Hooks Gerloff. He grew up in Waco, Texas and graduated from Waco High School. Upon completion from high school, he moved to Austin where he received his bachelor's from UT Austin, and then earned his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston along with his certificate in orthodontics. He met Sharon Green, his wife of 52 years, in high school. He began his orthodontic practice of over 35 years in Ft. Worth in the 1960’s with five of his devoted, caring and hardworking staff dedicating 25 years of their dental careers with him. His love of working with people touched many lives and gave him the opportunity to do what he wanted most which was building meaningful relationships with patients and their families.

During that time, he also attended the University Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, a pillar in the community, long time member of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth South including serving as President, and an active member of the Colonial Country Club. He loved Colorado and being in nature. Many activities and hobbies included photography, snow skiing, hiking, boating, water skiing, playing tennis, bicycling, and gardening.

John, often referred to as Jack by his family and close friends, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and son; who loved his family unconditionally and served as a pillar of strength and support. Time together with his family was very special to him. With Sharon by his side, their greatest joys were taking family trips, gathering together to celebrate holidays and birthdays and staying actively involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren. After retiring from his practice he stayed active with the wood shop group at the University Christian Church - had old friends there and made many new friends with the group enjoying weekly Friday lunches. He received his certification as a Texas Master Gardener volunteering much of his time at the Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center garden.

After the loss of Sharon, his beloved wife of over 50 years, John was able to find love again with Shari Hammond. They enjoyed traveling, gardening, eating out and laughing together and reading from an extensive book collection. Shari stayed lovingly by his side up until the last day of his life.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years - Sharon, daughter - Madeline, son - Steve, sister, Barbara and his parents - John and Mary Gerloff. Survivors: children, Stephanie G Ewing, Suzanne L Reed and husband, Kieth; grandchildren, Taylor Ewing, John Ewing, Austin Reed, Ethan Reed, Connor Reed; sister, Phyllis, nieces and nephew, Shari Hammond, his wife of nearly 5 years and her family and several extended family members.

The family expresses deep appreciation for the loving care given by Dr. Carlton and his staff, Home Dimensions, care provided by Ruth, Kay and Kenia with Home Instead, Encompass Rehabilitation, his supportive woodshop friends, rotary and master gardener friends and wonderful neighbors.