Gerald Cherry Obituary

Gerald Dallas Cherry (Jerry) passed away peacefully at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, Edinburgh, Texas, on Oct. 22, 2024, after suffering from several chronic illnesses, with his loving wife and best friend, Maryiln, of 28 years, by his side.

Gerald was born on June 13, 1938 in Lynnville, Kentucky, to James Dallas Cherry and Ruby Canter Cherry. He attended Cuba High School in Graves County, Kentucky, in the Class of 1957, where he enjoyed playing on the basketball team.

In 1957, Gerald moved to St. Louis for a job with Missouri Pacific Railroad (MoPac). He stayed with MoPac, which merged with Union Pacific Railroad, his entire career, retiring as the General Foreman of the De Soto, Missouri, car shops.

Gerald married Sharon Miller in 1958 and they had two children, Kimberly Michelle and Kevin Dallas. They were married for 10 years and divorced. Gerald took his children roller skating every Friday evening and ensured they had the latest in technology, buying them televisions, radios, walkie-talkies, and cassette tape recorders in the 70's.

Gerald was a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons since 1964 and achieved his 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Free Mason. Other memberships included the Elks Lodge and the Eagles. Gerald loved his grown-up toys and enjoyed motorcycles, ski boats, CB radios, and car races. He has frequented stock car race tracks and NASCAR all over the country. One of his recent favorite drivers was Kyle Larson. Gerald also had an affinity for his own cars and traded cars often through his entire life.

In 1995, Gerald was celebrating the birth of his grandson, Jacob Dallas, in Topeka, Kansas where he would meet the love of his life, Maryiln Blazier. They married in 1996 at Winter Ranch RV Park in Alamo, Texas, holding baby Jacob between them as they said their vows.

Gerald and Maryiln became 'Winter Texans' for several years and travelled the country during the summer months from East to West, from the Grand Canyon and the Redwood Forest to the Statue of Liberty in New York City in their RV, seeing almost all 50 states. After a few years, they made Bit O Heaven, an RV park in Donna, Texas, their permanent home and continued to travel during the summer. Gerald was an active member of the park, helping with the Jam sessions and serving as the facilitator for the 31 Card Games for several years.

While voting Republican all his life, when President Clinton came to office, Gerald switched his allegiance to the Democratic party. He was known to be very vocal about his politics and quite the debater. He has already completed early voting for this 2024 Presidential Election. Television became a favorite pastime and Maryiln had to replace his television remote controls because of significant use as he changed channels between CNN, MSNBC, Gun Smoke, and NASCAR.

When Gerald became ill, he made it known that he did not want to go to a facility. Maryiln worked diligently to keep him at home, making it compatible for his healthcare needs. On Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, he was taken to the hospital by ambulance where he died at 1:17 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2024.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruby Cherry; and two sisters, Anna Faye Boyer and Phyllis Gayle Cherry. He is survived by his loving wife, Maryiln Cherry; sister, Martha Mae Perschbacher; and children, Kevin Cherry and Bryon Robertson, Kimberly Woods, and Perry Woods. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Gerald will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.