Jerome P. ""Jerry Bliss

Jerome P. Bliss, 97, of Dime Box, Texas, former longtime resident of Baytown, Texas, and longtime member of Westminster (now Faith) Presbyterian Church, passed away Saturday, August 6, 2011 at his daughter's home of natural causes. He was born December 9, 1913 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Margaret Deveneau Bliss and Jay Pierce Bliss. He married Cathryn (""Kay"") Francis Schrubbe May 6, 1944 in Decorah, Iowa. She preceded him in death on March 7, 1984 after a battle with cancer, during which Jerry supported her as her 24-hour-a-day caregiver.

Jerry graduated from Oak Park High School, Oak Park, IL in 1931. During his high school years Jerry was extremely involved in the Oak Park Area Council of Sea Scouts. He earned the prestigious rank of Quartermaster, and was chosen as most experienced Sea Scout in the Oak Park Area Council to attend Culver Military school summer program. He also earned his light aircraft pilot's license.

After high school Jerry attended Illinois Institute of Technology. Jerry returned to college at the University of Houston, while working full time and supporting his family. He earned his degree in Business Administration, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1962.

Jerry was a personnel manager for the Buick Motor Division, Melrose Park, Aviation Engine Plant from 1941-1945. For 33 years, from 1945 until his retirement in 1978, Jerry worked in Senior Personnel and Industrial Relations Management positions of A.O. Smith Corporation facilities in Milwaukee, WI; Houston. TX; Waco, TX; and Arlington Heights. IL.

Upon his ""retirement"" to Baytown, TX in 1978 Jerry became very involved in volunteer work. He enjoyed all the hours he spent as the Lakewood Neighborhood Watch President and newsletter editor, Baytown Texas Citizens Police Academy, Baytown Block Grants Committee, local AARP President, local League of Women Voters' Treasurer and other organizations too numerous to list.

Survivors include daughter, Barbara Hoover of Dime Box TX; son, Robert Bliss and his wife Deborah of Plano, TX; son, Bill Bliss and his wife Janet of Edmond, OK and daughter, Jeanette Concilio of West, TX, He is also survived by 9 grandsons, 1 granddaughter and their families, including 11 great-grandchildren, and by two nephews and two nieces.

Jerry was loved and will be missed by his family, friends, and many devoted caregivers, most recently, Nichole Garcia and Doris Lamb

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Lakewood Neighborhood Watch, Baytown Senior Center, Baytown Citizens Police Academy, Faith Presbyterian Church, or the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be at Navarre Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, August 12, 2011. Burial will be next to his wife, Cathryn Francis Schrubbe Bliss, at Forest Park Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX. The Committal service will be on Saturday, August 13 at 10:00 am at Forest Park Lawndale followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am at Faith Presbyterian Church at 3900 N. Main in Baytown, TX.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, Texas 77521, (281) 422-8111.