Obituary: Jerry Dean Jarrett

This first part is shamelessly taken from the Lawton Constitution Archives

Jerry Dean Jarrett was born September 20, 1940, in Houston, Texas, to Samuel David “Dee” and Mirtie “Jeneva” (Rusk) Jarrett. He passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2019, in Duncan, at the age of 78.

Family visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, February 5, from 6-7:30PM at Whitt Funeral Home.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, February 7, at 1:30PM at Eastside Church of Christ with Ron Stough, minister, officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitt Funeral Home.

Jerry was a graduate of the 1959 class at Duncan High School. In 1964, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Oklahoma State University. On June 4, 1988, he married Sondra Kay Boxley in Duncan.

He was employed as a design draftsman for Public Service Company of Oklahoma, designing heat and air systems for buildings in Lawton for over 32 years. He then started his own business, Jerry’s Heating & Air Conditioning Designs, in Lawton. His hobbies included woodworking, hunting and fishing. Jerry was always involved in his community. Jerry was a member of the Lawton Noon Optimist Club for many years, and served as president. Jerry’s wife was quite ill for several years and spent much time in the hospital. He was the beneficiary of assistance from the volunteers there and was happy to give back to the community for all the help he had received. His wife passed away 12 years ago. He was a volunteer at Duncan Regional Hospital, installing lifeline systems at people’s homes, helping hospice patients, and working the information desk. He was recognized for working over 1500 hours across 8-1/2 years at the hospital.

Jerry was a great son, brother, father, grandfather and uncle who always supported and cheered for his family. He was a loyal and supportive friend to many, and a faithful servant to the Lord. He always worried about others and put them before himself. He was devoted, caring, selfless, and generous with his time and treasure. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

Jerry is survived by his children, Lisa and husband Grover Snider of Duncan, Kenan and wife Ginger Jarrett of Duncan, Bryan and wife Michelle Jarrett of Yukon, and Jennifer and husband Ben Castricone of Lawton; grandchildren, Colby and wife Andria Snider, Randall and wife Taylor Snider, Mason and wife Kaitlyn Snider, Colin and wife Trish Jarrett, Weston and wife Candice Jarrett, Hayden and wife Jamie Jarrett, Madison Jarrett, Alex Atkinson, Jansen Jarrett, and Pacey Jarrett; great grandchildren, Lola-Ann Jarrett, Logan Snider, Samantha Snider, and Killian Snider; long-time very special friend, Joy Smith; stepchildren, Jay, Wayne and Scott Marmaduke; and step grandchildren, Kristen Sanchez, Jessie, Ben, Luke and Nathan Marmaduke.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sondra; parents, Dee Jarrett and Jeneva Jarrett-Calhoun; and sister, Nanca McCortney.

He was also married to my mother for many years, from the time that I was thirteen until into my twenties. (I lost track of my mother’s personal life while I was struggling through classes at OU.) He taught me how to bowl and drive, encouraged me with my first computer; a Commodore 64, and provided the only male role model for my life.