Juan Gilberto Lerma Sr.

Juan Gilberto Lerma Sr., 66, passed away on February 18, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. He was born on September 21, 1958, in Brownsville, Texas.

Juan dedicated much of his life to his career as an Audio Visual Technician for the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD), where he worked for 33 years before retiring in 2024 due to health reasons. A proud veteran, he served in the United States Army from 1987 to 1992 as a Private First Class (E-3) and later reenlisted with the Army National Guard from 2003 to 2007.

Faith played a central role in Juan's life. A devoted believer in Jesus Christ, he attended church regularly and often shared wisdom from the Bible, encouraging others to turn to prayer in times of doubt. His dedication extended beyond worship-he actively contributed to his church community through service and involvement. Juan cherished time spent with his family and found joy in their company.

He is survived by his mother, Nerea Chapa; his wife, Ding Lerma; his daughters, Yuanyi Zhang and Ja'de Lerma; and his sons, Juan Lerma Jr. and wife Citlalli Lerma; Jesus Lerma and wife Juana Sanchez; Jace Lerma and wife Kristol Lerma; and Jakobo "Jake" Lerma and wife Heather Lerma.

He was a beloved grandfather to 15 Grandchildren Julian Lerma and wife Ruby Flores; Valerie Martinez, Jasmin Lerma, Jonathan Lerma, Jocelyn Lerma, Aaliyah Lerma, Jennifer Lerma, Jaikob Lerma, Serenity Lerma, Michael Hernandez, Mileena Lerma, Roslyn Hernandez, Remy Lerma, and Kylo Lerma.

He was also a great-grandfather to Delilah Lerma, Penelope Lerma, and Isaiah Sanoubane.

Juan is also survived by his brothers Ramiro Lerma, Angel Lerma, Rey Chapa, and Dominic Lerma.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ramiro Lerma Sr.; grandparents Gilberto Hernandez and Guadalupe Hernandez; nephew Victor Hernandez; aunts Amparo Lovington and Lucia Acosta; uncles Arturo Lovington and Frank Hernandez; and cousins Rudy Hernandez and Gilberto Trevino.

Beyond his professional life and military service, Juan had many passions. He enjoyed exercising, playing softball, traveling the world, and most of all, spending time with his loved ones. Known for his humor and playful spirit, he delighted his children and grandchildren with laughter-especially through his legendary "Finger of Death" move that became a cherished family joke.

A viewing will be held on March 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Greenwood Memorial Park (3344 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76107), followed by a Rosary from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the same location. A Funeral Mass will take place on March 14 at 10:00 AM at All Saints Catholic Church (214 NW 20th St., Fort Worth, TX 76164). The funeral service will follow at Greenwood Memorial Park from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Juan's legacy of faith, love for family, wisdom, and humor will live on in those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.