Gerald Robert Beiter, Jr.

Gerald Robert Beiter, Jr. (Gerald) was born October 1, 1957, at the original Austin Seton Hospital to Norma Curry Beiter and Dr. Gerald R. (“Gerry”) Beiter – third of what would grow to be seven siblings. He was born and lived most of his life at the family home on Greenlee Drive. He passed away in the presence of his six siblings and his mother on January 20, 2026, after a brief illness. Gerald returned to our heavenly Father proceeded by his father, Dr. Gerald R. Beiter; brothers-in-law, Daniel Jares and Joseph B. McShane III and longtime caretaker Frozine Overton. He is survived by his mother Norma Curry Beiter and his siblings. His passing touches us all and marks the passing of person evincing a period of Austin history that can hardly be imagined today.

Gerald was Austin to his core. He was baptized at St. Austin’s Church on Guadalupe and attended St. Austin’s Parish Elementary School before entering the AISD system in O’ Henry Jr. High School and later, in 1976, graduating from Austin High School. As a young man, he enjoyed exploring Tarrytown’s small community and surroundings from the Greenlee Drive home to Reed Park and Taylor’s slough on the lake and all the lands in between. He was raised up with a community that made Austin what it is today. Families that grew Austin from a small town on the Colorado River to the powerhouse it now has become. Most of old Austin knew the Beiter family, Gerald, and of his presence in the community.

Gerald was a constant in a small community within a city that was determined to become something larger and different. He was a gentle soul -- known to and loved by both family and friends and the local community. He was always ready to help with neighbor’s needs – from pet-sitting to house watching. He never met a stranger in his life. People still fondly recount his friendly, comfortable attitude during his many walks in the area – from Rylander’s grocery store, Casis drugstore, the Holiday House on Exposition and throughout the neighborhood. His community of friends and acquaintances is literally too large to describe.

Gerald, as a young man had great interest in radio, television and film with internships in the 1970’s at local radio stations. If you had a question about the Uncle Jay Show or Packer Jack, he was the man to ask. He aspired to be a disc Jockey and even had decided on an on-air name – “Jivin’ G.” He went on to attend St. Edwards University on the Hill overlooking downtown Austin and Austin Community College. He was a long-time employee of Jack Brown’s cleaners. His final job was with Trader Joe’s in the Arboretum.

Gerald was always there for his family. When his father, Dr. Gerald R. Beiter, suffered a debilitating stroke in 1992, Gerald took it upon himself to assist in caring for him and his mother Norma. After Dr. Beiter’s death several years later, Gerald continued to care for his mother Norma Beiter from then until his passing. When she sold the family home on Greenlee and moved to more manageable quarters, he stayed with her to help with the day-to-day burdens. His unselfish commitment made for a life that would have otherwise been impossible.

Gerald was a big guy. He was happy and always full of life. He loved playing with the young nephews and nieces, and they all have their own “Geraldism” to relate. The little ones would play with him, and he was always there to play back. If you ask any of them, "Is that the finest?” they all know to respond that it was in fact, the, finest. Uncle G was loved and will be remembered by friends and family as an ebullient, kind person.

Gerald’s surviving family includes Brigitte Beiter Jares and her daughters, Katie Jares, Megan (Jares) LeCroy and her husband, Dustin LeCroy. He is also survived by Kevin and Martha Beiter and their children, Bonny (Beiter) Preda and her husband, Andrew Preda, and their daughters, Beatrice and Kathleen; Daniel Beiter and Elizabeth Beiter and their children, Penelope, Rose, and Patrick; Michael Beiter and Cassidy Beiter; Erin (Beiter) Hodge and her husband, Randy Hodge, and their children—Dylan Hodge, Kelly Hodge, and Leslie Hodge—and daughter, Catherine; Michael Hodge and his wife, Caitlin Hodge, and their children, Colette and Conrad; Ryan Hodge and his wife, Dasha Hodge, and their sons, Nikolai and Alexander; Sean Beiter and his wife, Sharon Beiter, and their children, Stephen Beiter; Melissa (Beiter) Wolter and her husband, Jacob Wolter, and their children, Elijah, Noah, Micah, and Savannah; Katelyn (Beiter) Low and her husband, Drew Low, and their daughters, Charlie and Blake; Michael Beiter and his wife, Paulette Beiter, and their sons, James, Andrew, and Kevin; and Maureen (Beiter) McShane and her sons, Bailey McShane and his wife Virginia McShane and daughter, Clara; and Shannon McShane and his wife, Diana McShane, and their daughters, Caroline and Lily.

There will never be another Gerald Beiter, he really was “The Finest”, and his legacy and memory will be remembered for generations to come.

The memorial service to celebrate Gerald's life will be held 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 7, 2026 in the Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78752.