Warren Sherril Brannies, 83, of Graham, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 in Graham. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Warren was born Sept. 11, 1933 in Seguin, to the late Hugo Richard and Hulda Annie Marie Katherine (Steffler) Brannies. He married Marilyn Sue Nunley. She preceded him in death.
Warren was a veteran of the Air Force, having served in the Korean War. He was retired from the city of Breckenridge, having worked in maintenance.
Survivors include his daughters, Elaine Padgett and Lorraine Brannies of Searcy, Ark.; son, Mike W. Hodnett of Azle; sisters, Bonnie Kesel of Seguin, and Thelma Moffett of San Antonio; brothers, Ken Brannies of New Braunfels and Guy Brannies of Rockport; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jimmie C. "Jim" Nicklas, 75, passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017.
His funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at First Baptist Church of Possum Kingdom Lake, 200 S. Hwy. 16 in Graford. Interment takes place in Veale Creek Cemetery in Stephens County.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, at White's Funeral Home, 101 N.E. 4th Ave. in Mineral Wells.
Jim was born Nov. 23, 1941, to John and Della Reed. He was the fourth generation of his family to be born at Possum Kingdom. He received his bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University and retired from Bell Helicopter after a long and successful career. After retiring from Bell Helicopter, he worked for Brazos River Authority until his passing.
Jim had a sense of humor and numerous stories that people will never forget. His smile and personality will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betty McClure; and a son, John Lucas Riley.
Survivors include his wife, Johna Nicklas; children, Kevin Nicklas and wife, Elizabeth, Karen Smith and husband, Bryan, and Jami Lavieri; grandchildren, Sean Kuylen, Catherine Kuylen, Maryssa Nicklas, Jimmy Nicklas, Piper Smith and Lydon Smith; siblings, Will Nicklas and wife, Glenda, Jewell Rater, David Nicklas and wife, Joyce, and Tommy Nicklas and wife, Susan; close cousin, Tom Nicklas and wife, Mary; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church of Possum Kingdom Lake.

Louis Thurman “Snuffy” Farmer, 96, passed away Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017 in Graham. 
His funeral will be held Monday, Jan. 9, at 2 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Louis was born Aug. 14, 1920 in Jack County, to the late William Bryan and Iva Viola (Thetford) Farmer. He was a veteran of the Army, serving during World War II. 
Louis married Rosa Lee Wood on Aug. 9, 1941 in Jacksboro.  She preceded him in death on Jan. 12, 2013.  Louis moved to Graham in 1946, where he worked in the oilfield and concrete worker.
Survivors include his daughters, Rosa Louise Gore and husband, Ronnie, of Terrell and Patsy Lee Horn and husband, Bill Jr., of Graham; sister, Melba Weaver of Jacksboro; granddaughter, Romy Gore; nephew, Butch Farmer and wife, Anita, of Graham; sister-in-law, Annie Hunter of Graham; and several nieces and nephews. 
He was preceded in death by seven siblings, Frances Krick, Lavelle Guinn, Wanda Farmer, Truette Farmer, Jack Farmer, Ray Farmer and Carvel Farmer.  
Visitation will be held Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Samuel Odis Lewis passed away Jan. 5, 2017 in Graham.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at the Mountain Home Cemetery in Jack County. Visitation will be from 6:30-8 p.m. Monday at McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home.
Odis was born April 24, 1925 in Comanche County, and had lived in Young County most of his life. He served in the Navy in World War II. Odis was a retired oil and gas producer and a member of the Baptist Church.
Survivors include two granddaughters, Reva Lewis Gunnoe and Malinda Lewis Crouse; grandson, Kenny Paul Lewis; two siblings, Arthur Lewis and Arty Ragsdale; and three great-grandchildren.
Lewis was preceded in death by two sons, Kenneth Odis Lewis and Jacky Paul Lewis, and by a daughter, Marnetta Leigh Lewis.

Brodie Mae Doyle, 86, passed away Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, in Irving. A graveside funeral will be held Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017 at 2 p.m. in Pioneer Cemetery in Graham. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, Graham, Texas.
Doyle was born May 29, 1930 in Graham and raised by Novelene and David McDonald. She was a resident of Irving for many years where she worked for Parkland Hospital in the business office. Brodie was a member of First Christian Church and Royal Neighbors of America.
Survivors include her daughters, Cindy Nelson of Lewisville, and Cheryl Ellingson of Irving; son, Roger Doyle of Dallas; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Brodie was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra Doyle; her foster parents, David and Novelene McDonald; brother, Kenneth Lee Porter and sister, Charlene Eubanks.

Harrell F. Ford, 95, of Graham, passed away Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 in Graham.
A graveside funeral will be held Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. at Moore Memorial Gardens in Arlington. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, Graham.
Harrell was born April 26, 1921 in Mena, Ark., to the late John Hayden and Hettie Mae (Harrell) Ford.
He married Norma I. Fields on Oct. 1, 1942, in Jacksboro.
She preceded him in death on Aug. 9, 2009.
Harrell was a retired employee of LTV where he worked as a sheet metal assembler. He moved to Graham in 1982 from Grand Prairie.
He was a veteran of the Army and a member of Memorial Christian Church.
Survivors include his daughters, Linda Maiden and husband, Johnny, Thomas of Gun Barrel City, Sue Cott and husband, Michael, of Orchard Park, N.Y.; sons, Lloyd Wayne Ford and wife, Sandra, of Brownwood, and Donald Ford of Graham; brother, Lloyd G. Ford of Fritch; nine grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren; and aunts, Dean Abbott of Mineral Wells and Imajean Holt of Copperas Cove.
Harrell was preceded in death by two sons, Gene Ford, in 1969 and Kenny Ford, in 1977, and a brother, R.E. Ford.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Research or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Jeanette Fortner Holbert, 86, passed away Monday, Jan. 9, 2017 in Graham. A graveside service will be held Thursday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m. in Proffitt Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Jeanette was born July 5, 1930 in Los Angeles, Calif., to the late William Boyd and Lattye Elaine (Rodgers) Fortner.
She was a former Southwestern Bell telephone operator and retired from Hexcel Corp. as a machine operator. 
Survivors include her daughter, Cindy Townley and husband, Mike, of Newcastle; sons, Rodger Holbert and Terri of Proffitt and Nathan Holbert of Newcastle; four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
 She was preceded in death by a sister, Deane Ethridge; brothers, David and Nelson Fortner; and granddaughter, Amy Keeter Williams.

Alyssa Jean Moore, 36, passed away Monday, Jan. 9, 2017 in Graham. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Alyssa was born Feb. 29, 1980 in Graham, to Ronald Duane and Linda Kay (McCoy) Sims. She was a member of the Special Olympics.
Survivors include her parents, Ron and Linda Sims of Graham; sister, Ronda Rose and husband, Allen, of Graham; brother, Scott Moore and wife, Brandi, of Glen Rose; nieces, Madison Rose and Maggie Moore; and nephews, Andy Rose, Josh Rose and Marc Moore.

Virginia Marie Boyd passed away Jan. 12, 2017 in Justin. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home. Interment will be in Pioneer Cemetery. Family visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Boyd was born Jan. 2, 1928 in Rising Star, and lived in Graham most of her life.
Survivors include her two daughters, Shirley Bynum Johnston and husband, James, of Tulsa, Okla., and Carolyn Ann Rogers of Aubrey; son, Rick Rogers and wife, LaDelle, of Justin; three brothers, Billy Dobbs of Nocona, Dalton Dobbs and Kenneth Dobbs of Graham; two sisters, Dollie Grounds of Richardson and Geneva Dooley of Graham; six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren;  four stepdaughters, Tony Glass, Janelle Hall, Barbara Stubblefield and Connie Cotton; and two stepsons, Earl Boyd and Gary Boyd.

Elva Mae Davis passed away Jan. 11, 2017 in Weatherford. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home in Graham. Interment will be in Newcastle Cemetery.
Davis was born Oct. 11, 1951 in Dallas, and lived in Newcastle most her life. She was retired from Media Recovery in Graham.
Survivors include one son, Kyle Davis and wife, Ambre, of Valley View; two daughters, Sara Hoffman and John of Graham and Melissa Davis of Dallas; five grandchildren, Brittany Hoffman Edwards, Conner Hoffman, Cate Davis, Crew Davis and Cy Davis; and several brothers and sisters.

On the morning of Jan. 9, 2017, Don Micheal “Mike” Jennings peacefully passed away at the age of 66 in Arlington. Mike was born July 14, 1950, in Wichita Falls. He was full of life and taught his family to spread love, laughter and joy to all without expecting anything in return.
One of Mike’s favorite scriptures was "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.
To those that had the opportunity to know Mike during his wonderful 66 years of life, they truly know that he would want nothing more than for all of us to remember and live by one of his life’s mottos, “don’t worry, be happy!”
Mike’s love for his family was evident in everything he said and did. He was present and involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. From playing Barbie to throwing the football, he made each grandchild feel special and loved.
Not only was Mike the eternal optimist, and a dedicated family man, but he was also an entrepreneur and an inventor by nature. He was always coming up with new ideas – some great, such as the Original Lap Desk, co-invented with his uncle, Russell Jennings. Mike also enjoyed sports and was an avid golfer along with being a top-tier racquetball player. Mike was a national finalist in Men’s Doubles for his age group.
Mike leaves behind his loving wife and best friend of 34 years, Nicole Andrea Jennings; seven children, Don Paul and wife, Rebecca, Jami and husband, Kenneth Nelson, Misty, Patience and husband, Jose Rodriguez, Kristopher, Destiny and husband, Jason Carnes, and Kolter; 10 grandchildren, Emily, Aiden, Isaiah, Berlyn, Ty, Campbell, Charlie, Kate, Austin and Ellie; mother, Kathy Hallgrimson and step-father, Jim Kennedy; brothers, Gary and Mark; along with countless other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his father, Don Gene Jennings.
The celebration of Mike’s life will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at The Oasis at Joe Pool Lake, 5700 Lake Ridge Pkwy. in Grand Prairie. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Jeffery Paul Mathis passed away Jan. 15, 2016 in Abilene. A graveside service will be held at noon, Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Newcastle Cemetery in Newcastle. Family visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home in Graham.
Jeff was born Nov. 28, 1967 in DeLeon. He was a pipeline welder and had lived in Graham most of his life.
Survivors include his parents, C.W. and Pat Mathis of Graham; five brothers, Bud Mathis and wife Kris of Cleburne, Mike Mathis and wife Sophia of Graham, Mark Mathis and wife Georgia of Loving, Randy Mathis and wife Sheila of Graham and Danny Mathis of Graham; daughter, Trella Smith and husband Steve; son, Jason Cork and wife Tiffany; granddaughters, Ashlyn Satterfield, Amber Satterfield, Abby Satterfield and Jessica Watson; grandsons, Caleb Lapointe and Cade Cork.

H.L. "Mitch" Mitchell, 79, passed away Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017 in Graham. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017 at 2 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Mitch was born July 29, 1937 in Tioga, La., to the late William Howard and Mary Katherine (Herrin) Mitchell. He married Betsy Ann Maberry on June 2, 1962 in McCaulley. Mitch was a veteran of the Air Force and owner of Red Snapper Rentals.
Survivors include his wife, Betsy Mitchell, of Graham; daughter, Michele Grimsley, of Graham; grandchildren, Rachel and Ryan Grimsley, both of Graham; nieces, Melody DeLong, of Graham, and Kim Dyess, of Fort Worth; and nephew, James Pettus, of Florida.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Pansy Pettus, and a brother, Carl Mitchell.
Memorials may be made to Graham Meals on Wheels.

Opal E. Youngblood, 84, passed from this life to her heavenly home Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, in Wichita Falls. Home going celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Opal was born Dec. 26, 1932 in Graham, to the late William Lewis and Ella Mae (Armstrong) Phillips. She married Joe H. Youngblood Jr., and he preceded her in death on May 6, 1989. She worked as a police dispatcher for 25 years at the Graham Police Department. She was a member of Faith Center in Graham and the First Assembly of God in Wichita Falls. She sang in church, was a great woman of prayer and loved her family dearly.
Survivors include her son, Roy Youngblood and wife, Glena of Gainesville; daughters, Deborah Vaughn and husband, Royse of Wichita Falls and Ellen Arbogast and husband, Carl of Burkburnett; sisters, Neta Echols of Keller, Veda Fields of Tennessee and Pat Kendrick of Springfield, Mo.; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Youngblood, and brothers, J.R. Phillips and Melvin Ray Phillips.
Visitation will be held Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Frank Waller “Wally” Reddick, 80, of Chandler, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 in Tyler. Memorial services will be held at Tyland Baptist Church in Tyler on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m., with Rev. David Mahfood officiating.
Wally was born June 3, 1936 in Shreveport, La., to Frank and Lucile Huey Reddick. From the age of 3, Wally was raised by his uncle and aunt, Roger and Hattie Huey Chauffe, of Graham. Wally was a graduate of Graham High School and Austin College. He frequently traveled the state of Texas with the help of his career in sales. Wally lived in Chandler for 30 years and was a proud member of Tyland Baptist Church.
Wally was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet Kay Reddick; brother, Bob Reddick; his parents and a cherished aunt and uncle.
He is survived by his daughter, Paula Meason and husband Jesse of Corsicana; granddaughter, Jessica Meason of Lubbock; grandson, Reed Meason of Corsicana; stepdaughter, Jean Nations of Austin; niece, Sharon Ellsberry of Athens; and nephews, Larry Reddick and Steve Reddick of Austin. He is also survived by special friend, Shirley Brantley of Tyler and longtime family friend, Barbara Wyatt of Chandler.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Hospice of East Texas, or Tyland Baptist Church.

Clifford Junior Pruitt, 88, of Graham, went to join his beloved wife and our Lord Tuesday, Jan, 17, 2017 in Graham. His funeral will be held Friday, Jan. 20, at 2 p.m. at Faith Center. Burial will follow in South Prairie Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Cliff was an awesome Dad, Grandpa, PapPap, Pops and man. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. He has touched many lives with his infectious smile and his kindness to all.
Cliff was born April 12, 1928 in Hazelgreen, Mo., to the late Clifford Claud and Imo Fairie (Carroll) Pruitt. He served proudly in the Navy in World War II and the Korean War as a UDT. He married his beautiful wife, Francis, on Feb. 9, 1945. He worked for Matador/ Rock Island/ Koch Oil and in his retirement for Walmart as a door greeter.
Survivors include his sons, Bud Pruitt and wife, Carol of Waynesville, Mo., and Matt Pruitt and wife, Tracy of Graham; daughters, Linda Morrow of Graham, Annie Williams and husband, Mike of Fort Worth, and Lei Carter and husband, Eric of Beaverton, Ore.; brothers, Dale and Bob Pruitt, both of Lebanon, Mo.; son-in-law, Andy Baker of Socoro, N.M.; grandchildren, Aimee and Matt, Stephanie, Andrew, Dustin, Nicole and Jere, Sarah and J.R., Heather and Clint, Myranda and Dennis and Alexandrea, Emilee, Derek, Sam and Sheridan, Grace, Devin and Tara; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Genevieve, James, Jocelyn, Clara, Audrey, Lydia, Boddhi, Tenzin, Kelsey and Kristian, Blythe, Jackson, Isabel, Ella Sophie, Lexi, Zoe, Emry, Cole, Olivia, Cora, Angelia, Derrick and Everleigh; one great-great-grandchild, Atticus; best friend, Chuck Parker, and dear friends, Dan Vaughn and Joan Upton.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Francis; daughter, Bobbie Baker; son-in-law, Jackie Morrow; granddaughter, Stephanie Windham; and siblings, Barbara Massey, Jim Pruitt and Sharon Osbourne.
Special thank you to all the nurses at Garden Terrace Nursing Home, Solaris Hospice and Brookdale Assisted Living Center.

Carol Lesley Mahan, 65, passed away Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 in Graham. Graveside services will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m. in Loving Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Carol was born Oct. 25, 1951 in Knox City, to the late Harry Allen and Martha Jane (Lesley) Teal. She married Willie Wayne Mahan on Sept. 3, 1977 in Irving. Carol moved to Loving in 2003 from DeSoto and was senior buyer for Parkland Hospital in Dallas. She was a member of the Cowboy Church of Young County.
Survivors include her husband, Willie Mahan of Loving; daughters, Barbara Mahan Brantley of Graham and Nicole Van Dyke and husband, Clay of Lake Worth; grandchildren, Noel Ligon and Will Ligon; and great-grandchild, Hayden Ligon.

Velma Jo Gowens, 88, passed away Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 in Graham. Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. in Salem Crestview United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Velma was born Jan. 16, 1929 in Young County, to the late John Willis and Maudie Velma (Shahan) Ford. She married Truman Gowens in 1946 and she was a licensed vocational nurse at Graham Medical Associates.
Survivors include her husband, Truman Gowens of Graham; daughter, JoAnn Oler and husband, Ralph of Baytown; son, Kenneth Gowens and wife, Pam of Irving; daughter-in-law, Helen Robinson and husband, Brent; sisters, Anita Wizov and husband, Sandy of New Jersey and Barbara Eason and husband, Don of Graham; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Charles Gowens; daughter, Patricia Ward; granddaughter, Amy Gowens; brothers, Johnny, Robert, Jerry, Joe and Hugh Ford; and sisters, Lorna Mae Hunter and Leta Ford Psencik.

Leighton Jared Shifflett, 24 of Graham, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 in Young County. Funeral services will be held Sunday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m. at Faith Center. Burial will follow in Newcastle Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.
Leighton was born Aug. 26, 1992 in Mineral Wells, attended Graham High School and graduated in 2011. He played football and baseball for the Graham Steers. He went on the attend North Central Texas College and worked with his family in the oil business until he began attending and graduated from the Fire Academy in December 2016. Leighton made the Dean's List and excelled at the top of his class. Leighton strived to do the very best at whatever he did. He loved working out and crossfit and the friends he made there. His family was his life and he spent all of his extra time with them.
Survivors include his mother, Stacy L. Riley of Graham; father, Matt Shifflett and wife, Lisa of Graham; sisters, Lexis Shifflett of Wichita Falls and Katy Reddell of Fort Worth; brothers, Toby Reddell of Graham and Tanner Reddell of Austin; grandparent, Robert Riley of Jean; maternal great-grandmother, Lena Weatherbee of Fort Worth, maternal great-grandparents, Bob and Scooter Riley of Newcastle; aunts, Melissa Ryan and husband, Randy of Graham and Pat Harris of Graham; uncles, Billy Shifflett, Stanley Shifflett and Mitchell Shifflett and families; cousins, Brittiany Pinkston and husband, Kevin and their children, Noah and Eden of Graham and Sheridan Tomlin and husband, Taylor of Mineral Wells; and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Bill and Eva Shifflett; maternal grandmother, Sandy Weatherbee Riley; maternal great-grandfather, Pete Weatherbee and maternal great-grandmother, Joyce Riley.

Pastor Gerald Walter ‘Jerry’ Peterman Sr. passed peacefully, from his home, into Christ’s loving arms on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 at the age of 85.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Jan K. Peterman of Graham; brother, Robert Peterman and wife Mary Ellen of Wisconsin; children, Valerie Peterman of Brooksville Fla., Gerald W. Peterman Jr. and wife Margie of Round Lake Beach Ill., John R. Peterman and wife Susan Easterling of Springtown, and Lisa Peterman Estes and husband John of Fort Worth; stepson, Dutch Flodstrom and wife Tina of Burleson; stepdaughter, Dawn Landis and husband Jon of Pittsburgh, Penn.; stepdaughter, Erin Miller and husband David of North Richland Hills; stepson, Eric Flodstrom and wife Joey of Burleson; grandchildren, Bethany Peterman Siu, Grace Peterman, Madelyn Sullivan, Charolette Fineman, Melinda Peterman, Brittany Stroope, Heather Haddix, Bambi Luna, Shannon Wallace, Lindsay Boyd, Candace Gobbeo, Jared Landis, Aiden Landis, Ethan Landis, Christian Flodstrom-Sconce, Ray Flodstrom and Summer Flodstrom; 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Jerry was born March 19, 1931 in Green Bay, Wisc., and was baptized on April 14 of that year. His mother always said he was going to be a preacher some day. After graduating from East High School, he attended classes at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay for one year. He then worked for Kraft Foods Co. in Chicago.
After the breakout of the Korean War, he enlisted in the Air Force on April 21, 1951 and began his military career with a tour of duty in Anchorage, Alaska. Commissioned in 1955, he served as a combat crew commander for Titan I and Titan II missiles. Later he became an electronic warfare officer on B-52 bombers. During the Vietnam conflict he was with the B-52s in Guam, Thailand and Okinawa and he flew approximately 250 combat bombing missions over North and South Vietnam.
While with the Air Force he continued his college work and received his bachelor of arts degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth in 1975. In October 1976, he retired with the rank of major after 25 years of service.
For four years, he worked as a commodities broker. In 1981 he entered Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., in preparation for becoming a pastor by colloquy in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.
On July 10, 1983, he was installed as a seminary vicar at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Olney. As a seminary vicar, his main responsibility was to serve Faith Lutheran Church in Graham. On July 8, 1984 he was ordained and installed as pastor for Faith Lutheran Church. He served as pastor for Faith for 25 years. During this same time, he spent 20 years as part-time pastor for Trinity Lutheran Church in Bridgeport.
From 1990 he also served as chaplain for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8567 here in Graham. He was the first clergyman to be chaplain for this post. For many years during this time, he also delivered Meals on Wheels in Graham.
On Sunday, July 5, 2009, Jerry preached his farewell sermon and conducted his final communion service both in Bridgeport and in Graham. Jerry also established an educational scholarship at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in the name of his mother, Alma Peterman.
For 25 years, Jerry and his wife Jan enjoyed spending weeks at a time traveling throughout Germany and Italy, with Jerry teaching himself German and Italian. He even took a German newspaper on a weekly basis, giving himself ample opportunity to practice German, and scheduled regular time every day to practice his Italian. Jerry and Jan loved nothing more than spending time together, and with their kids, grandkids and great-grandchildren.
A visitation is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home, 1501 U.S. 380 bypass in Graham. Funeral services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church beginning at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24.
We will celebrate his life during the visitation scheduled Monday evening at McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home. Our celebration of his life will continue at Faith Lutheran Church immediately after the burial service. He will be sorely missed by all.