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ROBERT LEE Gerald E. Gartrell passed away on Feb. 22, 2013, in Robert Lee Care Center in Robert Lee, Texas after a long and courageous battle with dementia. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, at Robert Lee Baptist Church officiated by John Davis and Chuck King. Arrangements are by Shaffer Funeral Home. Gerry was born Sunday, March 31, 1946, in Oklahoma City, Okla., to Clyde Thomas and Dessie Gartrell. Gerry always claimed to be a Texan, as he moved to Texas as a one-year-old. He said he couldn't get to Texas fast enough! He graduated from Tuloso-Midway High School, Corpus Christi, Texas in 1964. Upon graduation he attended Jacksonvillie Junior College. On June 6, 1966, Gerry voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army as an Officer-2nd Lt. Gerry was honorably discharged as a 1st Lt. on May 26, 1969. He then proudly attended and graduated from the University of Texas, Austin, Texas, 1971, and his Master's Degree in Education from Sul Ross University, Alpine, Texas in 1990. Upon graduation from UT his first Teacher/Coach position was in Refugio, Texas. He also coached in Rockwall and Kaufman, Texas. As coaches do, he had several job changes but found his love in west Texas and Six-Man football. He proudly coached in Guthrie, Lazbuddie, Whitharral and Fort Davis, Texas. His dream of taking his football team to the playoffs in the State Championship was fulfilled with two teams - Whitharral Panthers in 1996 and Fort Davis Indians in 2003. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Tom Rushing; many aunts and uncles; and his daughter, Teresa Lynn Gartrell. Gerry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Judy Rushing Gartrell; sons Chris Gartrell and Greg Gartrell; brothers Tom Gartrell and wife Linda of Kemp, Texas and Ronald Gartrell and wife Rebecca of Payne Springs, Texas; sister Lou Ann Beverly and husband Mike of Boling Green, Ky.; brother and sister-in-law Bob Rushing and wife Donna of Beeville, Texas, Patsy Rushing of Vacaville, Calif.; granddaughters Larissa Gartrell of San Antonio and Baleigh Christine Gartrell of Midland; grandsons Jacob Gartrell and Justin Gartrell of San Antonio; nieces and nephews Rhonda Gartrell Crowell, Mark Gartrell, Steven Beverly, David Beverly, Patrick Beverly, Glen Rushing and Ronda Evans. He is survived by many beloved friends, players and coaches, along with his babies ? Gabby, Angel, Buster, Tinker and Gus. A special thank you to all the nurses and support staff from the Robert Lee Care Center ? you are all angels! "Those we have held in our arms for a while - We hold in our hearts forever"
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Though I never knew you or Judy, there will always be a special place in my heart for TM classmates. God be with you and your family on your journey.
Mark Crider
March 1, 2013
My brothers and I were blessed to have such a great football coach. He taught us to trust in The Lord and to expect great things if we give 100%. Thanks Coach. God bless you and your family.
Cameron Dockery
February 28, 2013
I know that Gerry had a teaching and coaching career that positively influenced many students. I remember Gerry as a fellow team mate, good athlete and a good person.
Blessings for the Gartrell Family,
Tommy Davis-Tuloso Midway Class of 1963
February 27, 2013
Coach was an awesome man I most remember him for his faith and having him in class. His son Greg and I were in school together in FD also. Glad to seen you a few times in San Angelo and I forever while remember our last visit. God Bless the Gartrell family and may God bring comfort.
Tim L Vasquez
February 26, 2013
May God Bless in your time of sorrow
Jan Yanez
February 26, 2013
Since 1996, I daily trek on highway 59 to Goliad from Beeville, and halfway is the little hamlett of Berclair,where an outlying street is named Gartrell. Whether I look for the sign or not, I know it is there and have often wondered if it connected to his family history. I work in Goliad and still travel that road morning and evening. I use that time on the road to learn/search for songs in the gospel group I sing, and also for prayer time each day. Going and coming,he has received a few prayers and thoughts and songs...and worries over my life as I wondered about his.
I have not seen Gerry since High School. He was basically quiet, which I was not...but I remember he laughed/snorted at me and my co-partners-in-crime, for you see, he sat behind me in some classes and was a true witness to the funny business!
This is a time for remembering and I still will, every time I travel that road..and I'm thinking as I write this, maybe someone, somewhere remembers me...that is what we are supposed to do, isn't it? Regards, and God bless your family.
Dianne Puckett
February 26, 2013
Deepest sympathy to the Gartrell family in this untimely loss. May you be filled with peace, and may your sweet memories be a continual comfort to you.
Sandi Melder Hagge
February 26, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Patricia Najvar Galloway
February 25, 2013
Judy, you and your family are in our payers. Gerry has always been a great person, and we all are going miss him very much
Joe and Svetlana Welps
February 25, 2013
Judy, please know that we are praying for you and the family at this difficult time. I will never forget the wonderful times with you and Gerry in our high school days, and the many hours I spent on the basketball court with Gerry. He was a fantastic guy and a great friend.
Weldon and Nancy Wallace
February 25, 2013
Judy, our thoughts and prayers and with you and the family. We will always remember him as the wonderful guy that he was.
Edwin and Randy Lou Wallace
February 25, 2013
Sending our prayers and deepest sympathy to the Gartrell family. We went to high school with Judy and Gerry and have fond memories of Gerry as a football and basketball player and as a very good friend. We will always remember the special times and many, many laughs we all had together.
Jim and Ruby Fairbairn
February 25, 2013
All our prayers go out to the Gartrell family. Coach touched many lives in his many years of coaching and he will forever be missed. Coach--thanks for all that you did for me, you will always have a special place in my heart and will always be #1 in my book.
Michael Lopez
February 25, 2013
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