Gerald L. Klinner

Gerald Lee Klinner age 81 received his call to heaven on May 21, 2024. He was born March 28, 1943 in Portland, Oregon. He served in the United States Army as an Aircraft Mechanic/Repairman from March 1966 to March 1972 then moved to Mason City, Iowa after his honorable discharge. He drove truck for Kaler Freight and then 3M for several years to and from Dallas. Gerald loved Texas so much that he moved his family to Tyler Texas in 1980 and fulfilled a life long dream of his when he bought a restaurant called The Sandwich Shop on the Square across from the Smith County Courthouse. When the Sandwich Shop sold, he worked multiple jobs. He was a “Jack of all trades” and was known for talking your ear off, and would give the shirt off his back to a stranger in need. He most enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends. He is survived by his daughter, Dawn Klinner-Albright (and her husband Brent); sister Lila Hilfiker (and her husband Doug); grandchildren, Leona Klinner, Skyler Klinner- Lozano, Alexander Albright; great granddaughter Amiyah; many nieces and nephews; and longtime friend Carol Johnson. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann Klinner; daughter Lynn Klinner; parents, Leo & Joyce Klinner; And brothers Wayne, Dale, and Jim. Graveside will be 10:00am Friday Cathedral in the Pines, Tyler, Texas