Mr. Gerald Don Phariss

Gerald Don Phariss passed away on December 18, 2025, at the age of 86, in Mabank, Texas. Gerald was born on September 16, 1939, at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas, to parents Alex and Sarah Phariss.

He graduated from Irving High School. Gerald was proud to have served his country in the United States Coast Guard, achieving the rank of Yeoman 1st Class (E-6). Gerald was married to his beloved wife, Emma, on September 15, 1978, in Dallas, Texas.

His career was marked by his leadership as the Director of Training for Local Union 100, and the Mechanical Contractors, in the Dallas Area from 1971 to 2000. He was a past President of the American Society of Sanitary Engineering where he received the Fellow Award (FASSE). Gerald served on the Texas State Board of Regents, appointed by Governor Mark White for a six-year term, and for an additional term by Governor Ann Richards. A Master Mason of the 32nd degree, he progressed into the Scottish Rite and was a Hella Temple Shriner. He was a member of the United Association since 1966 and served as an Educational Representative in Washington, D.C., from 2000 to 2005. Gerald was an instructor at Purdue University for 20 years and at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) for 10 years, both in the Administration of a Training Program. After his long and rewarding career, Gerald retired to Mabank, Texas to spend valuable time with his family by Cedar Creek Lake.

He is survived by his wife, Emma Phariss; daughter, Barbara Galofaro and her husband, Ricky; granddaughter, (Angel) Melissa Galofaro Knight and her husband, Cory; grandson, Matthew Galofaro; great-granddaughter, Audrie Knight; and sister, Louetta Schwab.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alex Phariss; mother, Sarah Wilkinson; son, Gregory Don Phariss; sister, Carol Sue Carroll and her husband, Jimmy Carroll; and grandparents, Granny B Butler and Frank.