Jerry Robert Esterline

Jerry Robert Esterline, age 73, passed away peacefully in his home in San Antonio, Texas with his family by his side on Thursday, October 29, 2020 after a valiant battle against an aggressive cancer. He was born November 28, 1946 to Margaret Henke and Charles Wilbur Esterline in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He and his siblings, Joann, Rick, and Patsy eventually moved to Amarillo, Texas in 1959. His father was a painting contractor, and Jerry and Rick worked alongside Charlie for years, learning the craft and saving money for college. He graduated from Price Catholic High School in 1965 and was the Valedictorian of his class; he was also voted Best Basketball Player, Best Driver, and Most Typical. He met the love of his life, Eoline Esterline, in high school, and together they attended Texas Tech University. Jerry and Eoline were married September 1,1968 at St. Andrew’s Church in Amarillo, Texas. Jerry graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1970 and began work two weeks later at Mobil Chemical in Beaumont, Texas, where he and Eoline would live for forty years. He welcomed his first daughter, Meredith Esterline, the day Velsicol made their first production batch of Banvel. She was affectionately known in herbicidal circles as The Banvel Baby, and Jerry’s legacy of being the best father and Pops a kid could ask for began. Michael and Melissa were born soon after, and Jerry would spend the next twenty three years actively involved in St. Judes Thaddeus Catholic Church, Indian Princesses and Indian Guides, Beaumont Little League, Little Dribblers, various PTA and Booster Clubs, and anything his children were involved in that needed help. Michael would eventually follow in his father’s footsteps and become a chemical engineer; Melissa hated all things related to math and science but fondly remembers Jerry’s exhaustive (but futile) efforts to help her with algebra.

His Catholic faith was an integral part of who he was, and he served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Judes’s for twenty years. He could always be found straightening the hymnals after mass, an endearing habit that was indicative of his spirit of service.

Jerry found it difficult to remain idle and could be found working on other people’s cars, mowing other people’s yards, or painting other people’s houses. It was not uncommon to have a friend’s car parked in the garage for weeks at a time while Jerry worked late into the night. He always put others first and was willing to help anyone in need, no matter the task. He was a devoted friend to many, and he had close friends in all aspects of his life. His colleagues respected him, his friends appreciated him, and his family adored him.

In 2010, Jerry and Eoline moved to San Antonio, Texas to be closer to family, and he spent the next ten years making new friends and devoting his attention to his grandchildren. He fiercely loved Colston, Cyrus, Brielle, and Coen and was their best playmate and biggest supporter. There was nothing Jerry wouldn’t do to entertain his grandkids and make them smile.

Jerry loved the Boston Celtics, the Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Astros, golf, bread, and Shiner Bock. One of the last trips he was able to take was to the Shiner Brewery with the Book family. He was able to enjoy one of his favorite things with some of his favorite people.

Jerry was diagnosed with cancer in July of 2019, and he immediately focused all of his efforts on prolonging his time with his beloved family, all of whom were in awe of the tenacity of his fight. Jerry was forever grateful to Eoline for her tireless care and endless love, right up until the end.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Jerry is survived by his wife of 52 years Eoline Esterline; children, Meredith Esterline and husband Bradley Book, Michael Esterline, and Melissa Reed and husband Cody; grandchildren, Colston and Brielle Book and Cyrus and Coen Reed; siblings, Joann and the late Joe Gude, Rick and the late Carol Esterline, and Patsy Esterline; nieces Susan Melenyzer, Holly Esterline and Tiffany Esterline and nephew Bobby Gude, extended family members, and a lifetime of friends.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

ROSARY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

7:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

MASS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020

10:00 A.M.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH – HONEY CREEK

Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial contribution to Hope Hospice at 611 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130.

For those who were unable to attend in person, the recording of the mass is below: