Jerry L. Lively Sr.

God called another Hero home, Retired Captain Jerry L. Lively Sr., at the age of 78. Although he fought the good fight with multiple medical battles, Jerry found peace in his final moments at home surrounded by his family & fur-babies.

Jerry was born in Winnsboro, Louisiana, to Barney and Loretta (Dunn) Lively, a family of cotton farmers and carpenters. In 1963, at the tender age of 17, he decided to join the US Navy and graduated from bootcamp in San Diego, California, on November 22, 1963 – the same historic day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. While stationed in California, Jerry met the love of his life Phyllis. Their journey began on January 11, 1964, with these 5 bold words, “Hey Sailor, want a ride?”. The two married on August 3, 1966, and began building a life together and what a blessed ride it turned out to be all because “A carpenter’s son married the daughter of a carpenter”.

While serving in the US Navy aboard the USS Hancock CVA-19, Jerry completed three tours in Vietnam. After a 4-year enlistment in the Navy, he worked briefly in a furniture shop, distressing furniture before choosing to resume a military career in the US Air Force. Military duty stations led them on adventures around the World to include California, Goosebay Labrador, Illinois and Hawaii to name a few before calling Texas home and retiring after serving his country honorably for a combined total of 26 years. During his years of enlistment, Jerry earned his B.S. degree from SIU-Oc. Ed. After retiring from the military, he pursued a civilian career as the Director of IT for Comfort ISD, where he worked until his 2nd retirement in 2014.

To many, Jerry was more than just a man – he was a beloved husband, a proud father, a devoted Papa, a son, a brother, a hero, and a loyal friend. He was a man with a heart of gold and few words, strong and steady. An honorable, courageous man that was fiercely patriotic, hardworking, and dedicated to his family. Jerry found joy in life’s simple pleasures-spending time with family, tending to his garden, and reading a William Johnstone novel or a Louis L’Amour western, often accompanied by a cup of coffee and a moon pie. At bedtime you would find him sharing a cheddar cheese sandwich or the occasional bowl of Vanilla Blue Bell ice cream with their dogs.

Jerry’s loving spirit lives on through his wife of 58 years, Phyllis, and their 3 children: Jerry Jr (Beverly), Daryl (Christine) and Victoria (Michael). Along with 4 grandchildren, Sabrina (Dane), Jacob (Shaylyn), Samantha, Nathaniel (Cheyenne) and 5 great grandchildren Alaina, Kayne, Lily, Emersynn, Theoden (with a sixth expected soon). He is also survived by his brother, Donnie and numerous other family members and friends.

Jerry was preceded in peace by his parents, Barney & Loretta Lively, Parents-in-Law Victor & Alberta Baker and sister, Kaye Cupp.

Please join us to honor Jerry L. Lively Sr. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Visitation will be held at 9:30am followed by the Service at 10:30am. Reception from 11:30 to 12:45.

Immediately following the reception, there will be a Procession to FT Sam Houston National Cemetery where Jerry will be laid to rest at 1:45 pm with Full Military Honors.

Though he has left this world, Jerry’s legacy of love, service, and strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.