Jerry Lynn "Umpah" Chalker

Celebration of Life for Jerry Lynn "Umpah" Chalker, 73, of Lufkin, will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Harmony Hill Baptist Church in Lufkin with Bro. Charles Roberts and Richard Martinez officiating. Graveside service will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches.
Jerry was born on May 29, 1951, in Shady Grove, Nacogdoches, Texas, to Joycelyn Agatha Stokes and Herman Seale Chalker. Jerry was raised with a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for family and faith. A 1970 graduate of Lufkin High School, Jerry was a proud member of the Lufkin Panthers football team, all district. Shortly after graduation, Jerry attended United Electronics School in Dallas, Texas. After completing his training, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served three years with the Hawk Missile System. During his military occupational specialty (MOS) training, Jerry met the love of his life, Martha Jean Burdick his "Yellow Rose" at First Baptist Church in El Paso. After a six-week courtship, Jerry was deployed to Germany, but love endured, and the two were married on December 28, 1973.
Jerry and Martha spent two joyful years living in Germany, traveling whenever possible and welcoming their daughter, Lesley Anne Chalker. Upon returning to Lufkin, he began a long and fulfilling career at Bove Sewing Center in October 1975. The following year, they welcomed their son, Daniel "Danny" Chalker.
Throughout his nearly 50-year career at Bove, Jerry became well-known not only for his technical skill but for his integrity, kindness, and warm personality. Customers came from all over the United States to seek his help not just for his expertise, but because they loved and trusted him.
Beyond his professional life, Jerry's true calling was in his unwavering service to the Lord. He was an active member of several churches over the years, including Denman Avenue Baptist Church, Carpenter's Way Baptist Church, and most recently, Harmony Hill Baptist Church. He served the Lord in the youth department, as a deacon, in the sound ministry, and security teams, always finding joy in helping others and building community.
Jerry loved God, his family, hunting, fishing, traveling, riding his bicycle, and chocolate chip cookies. He passed on his joy for these simple pleasures as well as his famous hand-cranked homemade ice cream to his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Martha "Marty" Jean Chalker; daughter Lesley and her husband John Wisinger of Batesville, Arkansas; and son Danny and his wife Lucy Chalker of College Station, Texas. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Hunter, McKayla, and Jonathan Chalker of College Station; Elizabeth and her husband Ethan Doughty of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Samuel Wisinger of Lufkin; and Isaac, Hannah, Nathanael, Benjamin, and Joshua Wisinger of Batesville, Arkansas. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Chalker of Big Sandy, TX; sisters, Mary Jane Baldwin of College Station, TX, Mildred Wright and husband Larry of Lufkin, TX, Judy Minter and husband Sherman of Kimball, MN, and Kathy McDonald and husband Mike of Pottsboro, TX; brother-in-law and wife, Bob and Irene Burdick of Rowlett, TX; sister-in-law and husband, Debbie and Bernie Hogan of Georgetown, TX; as well as a host of nieces, nephew, and friends.
Jerry's life was one of faith, love, service, and joy. His presence, wisdom, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
Pallbearers will be Danny Chalker, Hunter Chalker, Jonathan Chalker, John Wisinger, Samuel Wisinger, and Isaac Wisinger.
Honorary pallbearers will be Monday Night Prayer Group, and Thursday Morning Prayer Group.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Harmony Hill Baptist Church. Family requests everyone wear, camo or bright colors as we celebrate Jerry's life.
Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.
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