Gerald Gest

Gerald Gest, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, at the age of 86 in La Grange, Texas. Gerald, known lovingly as "Jerry" to his friends and family, and "Papa" or "Big Papa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was born on February 1, 1939, in the small town of Nechanitz, Texas. He was a man of strong faith, an avid gardener, and a skilled craftsman in the art of restoring antiques.
A graduate of Round Top-Carmine High in 1957, Gerald's industrious spirit led him to a diverse career. He worked for notable companies such as General Electric and Frito-Lay, and his dedication to his work was evident in all his endeavors, including his time at Jake's Finer Eggs and other food wholesalers in Houston, Texas. Later in his career, Gerald found a niche in the specialized field of overseas shipping with John Greer & Associates, ensuring that food and consumer goods reached oil company compounds with care and efficiency and a special talent for filling every square inch of the shipping containers.
Gerald built a life filled with joy, hard work, and laughter. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joyce Lange Gest, of Warrenton, Texas. Gerald's legacy lives on through his children: son Darrell Gest and daughter-in-law Carol Eckelkamp of Austin; son Stephen Gest and daughter-in-law Janet Anderson of Fort Collins, CO; and daughter Tracey Harros of Conroe, TX; and his grandchildren, William Hardy Gest, Miranda Gest Davis (husband Lane), Maisie Gest Woolverton (husband David), Petra Gest (husband Andy), Riley Gest, and Michael Harros, along with his great-grandchildren Mabel Davis, Callan Davis, Bennett Woolverton, Johanna Gest, and Louisa Gest. They will forever cherish his lessons and memories.
Gerald is also survived by his brother Delbert Gest and wife Marilyn, and sister Charlene Cordes and husband Al Cordes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Gest, Sr. and Vivian Matejowsky Gest, and his brothers, Louis Gest, Jr., Royce Gest, and Norman Gest.
A man of deep Christian faith, Gerald was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Warrenton, where he volunteered his time and skills. Not one to sit idle, Gerald had an enduring passion for gardening, which brought him immense joy and satisfaction, as well as admiration from neighbors and visitors. His knack for finding and repairing antiques was not just a hobby, but a skill that he honed over the years. After retirement, he and his wife travelled all 50 states gathering discarded relics to restore and pass on through their own antique store in Montgomery, TX, and during the semi-annual Warrenton TX Antique Fairs.
He will be lovingly remembered for his steadfastness, warmth and generosity, his quick jokes and easy sense of humor, his love of polka music and dancing, and his home-made wine.
Gerald's life was a journey of purpose, guided by his unwavering faith, commitment to his family, and service to his community. His memory will be held in the hearts of those who knew him. As we bid farewell to Gerald Gest, we will celebrate a life well-lived and honor the mark he has left on this world at a memorial service to be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 23, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church of Warrenton, TX.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.