Jerry Lavern Crenshaw

Jerry Crenshaw

Sunrise April 29, 1953 - Sunset July 10, 2020

Someone once said there are two important days in one’s life: the day you are born and the day you find out why. Jerry Crenshaw was born on a Wednesday in April in 1953 and early in his life he learned his “why.” He discovered he was a manager, a coach and a fisherman—and that, as a result, his family would be changed and the world around him would be too. He managed things and people and made them better; he coached youth and children and made them shine; and he taught his family to fish and gave them more than something to eat. It all began when he was born.

The Early Years

Jerry’s mother Mildred Randolph Crenshaw and father George Lidell Crenshaw raised three boys in Denver, Colorado. She was an enterprising beautician and he was a brilliant chemist working for the Federal Government. Young Jerry was their opinionated child who worked hard to blend the professional stamina of one with the critical thinking skills of the other. They both were pioneers and Jerry inherited their combined spirit.

He graduated in 1971 from Manuel High School in Denver and then went to Colorado State University to major in Industrial Psychology. There he met Annette Entzminger, the love of his life, through a mutual friend (Annette’s roommate Tawanna). Jerry and Annette were married in 1976 and over the next 40 years had three children, and five grandchildren.

Jerry The Manager Could Manage Anything

From the time Jerry was in college and landed his first job as a manager at Burger King, he was a natural. He made sure systems were followed, employees were inspired, and sales were handled. His friends said, “He could manage anything.” Soon after that first job, he became manager at Central Parking Systems – a position he held for several years, attracting attention for his efficient handling of business and employees. Eventually, Jerry and family moved to Houston where he held a series of managers positions: first with the sister branch of Central Parking Systems, then with his wife’s jewelry repair business, The Jewelry Doctor, and next with the City of Houston as Superintendent of Intercontinental Airport’s Parking System. He won many awards and honors.

In 2008, he was promoted to Superintendent of Airfield and Grounds at Houston Intercontinental Airport – responsible for beautification and landscaping while coordinating the nuts and bolts of airport maintenance. His under-the-radar role drew attention and earned him an appointment as Senior Project Manager of the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Later he was promoted to Fleet Manager in charge of all ground transportation (“anything anybody drove on land”) for the three airports in the Houston Airport System—Ellington Field, Hobby International Airport and Bush Intercontinental Airport. In each position as manager, he understood the importance of valuing employees and urging them to do their best work.

Jerry The Coach Built Champions

Jerry loved kids and he particularly loved to coach them – even if unofficially. Whether it was helping his daughter Adrienne become a champion long jumper in track and field or coaching his sons –Andre and Tony--in high school basketball and football, he was intense. He recorded training films and kept stats, offered tips and cheered at competitions—teaching them “to give 110%.” They won high level scholarships, awards and recognition in their sports. But Jerry didn’t just reserve his coaching and encouragement for Crenshaws. He cared so much about children in his community who had been overlooked and needed a chance to shine that he stepped in and coached them too. The city of Houston recognized his volunteer commitment to “turning a lot of children around,” helping them become leaders and good citizens.

With his grandchildren, he continued to urge excellence, leading them to practice and train and play with teams beyond their years and to compete in tough competitions. Zoey became an exceptional swimmer for her age group; A.J. played with baseball teams two grades ahead of him; Riley excelled in gymnastics; Destinee graduated from Texas State with a degree in engineering. Jerry encouraged all of them “to be the best” in the room or on the field.

Jerry The Fisherman Taught Them to Fish

Jerry had a passion for being on the water especially with his family. Most holidays were their special times to fish. They spent hours, sometimes talking very little, usually thinking quite a lot. He taught them about the kinds of fish they’d find, what bait to use, how to be patient and wait to reel in a catch. Some of them were squeamish; others were not. To encourage them, he would catch two fish and “allow” them to catch five times as many. In the process, they learned to plan and prepare, to see failure and know it, to celebrate success when it comes.

The Legacy

Jerry Crenshaw was one who loved life, loved his family, loved his work, loved his community. He had a special place in his heart for antique cars and for children who needed a hand and had a smile. He was a practical man, plain spoken, down to earth and very generous. His family and friends will cherish his legacy.

He leaves to celebrate his memory his beloved wife Annette Crenshaw; his mother Mildred Crenshaw; his children Andre (Rondia) Crenshaw, Adrienne Crenshaw, Anthony (Tony) Crenshaw; his grandchildren Andre (A.J.) Crenshaw, Zoey Crenshaw-Bass, Riley Crenshaw, Chayne Crenshaw, Destinee Ware; his siblings Larry (Jennifer) Crenshaw, Orson (Teresa) Thomas, Myra Crenshaw; his siblings-in-law Thomas (Myra) Entzminger, Richard Entzminger, Celeste (Ivan) Mitchell; and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.

May he rest in peace.