JERRY McCLESKEY

JERRY McCLESKEY of Houston, Texas, was born on the 3rd of July 1933, and passed away on Monday, the 16th of August 2010. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas.He graduated from Rice Institute in 1956 with a Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1960 where he flew aircraft on the U.S.S. Hancock (CVA-19). In 1960, he began his career in Ponca City, Oklahoma with Conoco, later DuPont, where he rose through the ranks to an executive level. After retiring in 1993, Jerry and his wife relocated from Greenville, Delaware to Piney Point Village, Texas. During his life, he supported the arts and educational organizations including the Kociuszko Foundation, Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, The Henry Francis du Pont Collectors Circle, Museum of Printing History Houston, The Shepherd School of Music, and Rice University Board of Governors.Mr. McCleskey is preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, the late Margaret Elaine McCleskey (nee Milton); and his parents, the late Ray E. McCleskey and Nelle Canuteson McCleskey. He is survived by his daughter, Claire Dubit and her husband Robert C. Dubit of Owings Mills, Maryland; daughter, Catherine Gassman and her husband R. Neal Gassman, and grandson Michael Neal Gassman of Houston, Texas.His family wishes to thank Dr. Pat J. Herlihy, Dr. Kirk Heyne, Medical Clinic of Houston physicians and nurses, and A-Med Hospice for their wonderful care.The family is to gather for a private entombment at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in the Memorial Mission Mausoleum on the 19th of August; where Rev. Dr. Scott W. Endress, of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, is to officiate.In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider sending donations to The Shepherd School of Music, Rice University-MS 532, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, Texas 77251 for the benefit of the Elaine and Jerry McCleskey Endowed Scholarship in Piano.