Gerard Hertel

Gerard W. "Jerry" Hertel, 78, passed away Wednesday, June 30, 2010. Jerry was born June 16, 1932 to Willard and Eleanor Hertel. He grew up in Cresson and Granbury where he ran a gas station and sang on the radio. He attended Granbury High School until 1951 when he joined the Navy. After serving in the Korean War he returned to graduate and met the love of his life, Peggy Martin. They were married on June 12, 1955, and lived in Cresson until moving to Midland where they lived a wonderful life together for 51 years until Peggy's passing in 2006. They were members of South Memorial Baptist Church where he was a choir member. Jerry had retired from the oil field and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans Tall City Chapter #58, and the U.S.S. Missouri Association. Jerry enjoyed life over the years by fishing, boating, roller skating, and dancing. He was also preceded in death by his parents, one step-father, and one brother. Jerry is survived by his sister, Merilyn Evans of Santo, TX; four children, Russell Hertel and his wife, LouAnn, of Abilene, TX; Kathleen Hope Glass and her husband, Cody, Cynthia Hertel, and Gerard "Skipper" Hertel, all of Midland, TX. Also surviving are six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Ellis Funeral Home, Saturday, July 3, 2010 between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. to honor Jerry's memory. Interment will be at White Church Cemetery in Glen Rose, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.