Jerry DeDear Obituary
Visit the Allison Funeral Service website to view the full obituary.
Jerry "Daddy Rabbit" DeDear
The legend and our hero.
Jerry DeDear, affectionately known far and wide as "Daddy Rabbit," went home to his beloved wife Lillie "MiMi", leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and stories that will be told for generations. He was born February 4, 1933, in Cuero Texas, to Fred and Lydia DeDear.
Daddy Rabbit was married to the love of his life for 68 years, and together they built a life rooted in devotion, family, honor, and plenty of humor. Their marriage was a partnership filled with loyalty, shared memories, and the kind of quiet understanding that only comes from many years side by side. Daddy Rabbit Retired from Trunkline Gas Company after 33 years of devoted service.
Daddy Rabbit had a gift for making people feel at home. Once you were in his circle, you were in for good. He was warm, steady, and always ready with a joke or a gentle tease. His sense of humor stayed sharp to the very end, and he believed that laughter was one of life's greatest treasures.
Daddy Rabbit lived a long and meaningful life, guided by love for his family and a knack for finding joy in everyday moments. He was a storyteller, a listener, and someone whose presence made things feel a little more okay. He didn't need to be loud to be unforgettable-his kindness and wit did all the talking.
He leaves behind a legacy, along with family and friends who will miss him deeply and remember him fondly. His legacy lives on in shared laughter, family traditions, and the comforting thought that Daddy Rabbit is still watching over everyone-probably with a smile and something clever to say.
At 92, Daddy Rabbit proved that a life well lived is measured not just in years, but in love given, laughter shared, and the people who gather to remember you.
Daddy Rabbit is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Lydia DeDear, his beloved wife, Lillie "MiMi" DeDear, their son Gerald "Uncle GD" DeDear, and his 5 sisters and 4 brothers.
He is survived by his children, Vernon DeDear and wife Marsha, Donna Wakefield and husband Wallace, and Donald DeDear and wife Angela. Grandchildren Jason DeDear, Stephen DeDear, Samantha Ritz and husband James Jr., Jerry Wakefield and wife Kelly, Jeff Wakefield and Wife Crystal, David DeDear and Wife Kayla. Great-grandchildren, Brayden DeDear, Cassity Jordan, Trey Ritz and wife Jauze, Rebecca Ritz, Shelby Brown and husband Chris, Austin Ainsworth, Savanna Glover and husband Mastin, Lillian Bishop and husband Chad, Kenadee and Andee DeDear, Hunter, Harley, and Kennedy Templeton. Great Great-grandchildren, Alexander Keckler, Elisha Ritz, Kymberlee Ainsworth, Rabs' little robot, Kace Glover, Lane, Stella, and Winston Bishop. He is also survived by his brother Donald R. DeDear and wife Pat, and numerous nieces and nephews, and two special MICE (Dee Hall and Peggy Boone).
Pallbearers:
Vernon DeDear, Donald DeDear, Wallace Wakefield, David DeDear, Jerry Wakefield, Jeff Wakefield, Savanna Glover
Honorary Pallbearers:
Jason DeDear, Stephen DeDear, Baby Bro Donald R. DeDear, Godson James Hesse, Samantha Ritz
He welded his life with sparks and flame,
Steel and sweat, no need for fame.
A lifelong welder, strong and true
He built a world that safely grew.
Sixty-eight years with the love of his life, Forever Mimi- his joy, his wife.
He spoke her name with a shining tune,
Like she hung the stars and the silver moon,
They called him Rabbit, quick with a grin,
A joke half-formed before laughter rolled in.
Vanilla ice cream, simple and sweet,
Copenhagen tucked close, worn boots on his feet,
Br'er Rabbit syrup on biscuits and bread,
Stories and laughter wherever he sat.
He worked hard daily to care and provide,
With quiet pride and shoulders wide.
A brother, a father, a husband, a friend,
The kind of love that will never end
He'd always say, "I love you,"
Like a habit. Like Rabbit.
And though he's gone, he's not away,
He lives in love we feel each day,
For men like him don't fade or part-
They stay forever, welded to the heart.
Written By: Kayla DeDear
The legend and our hero.
Jerry DeDear, affectionately known far and wide as "Daddy Rabbit," went home to his beloved wife Lillie "MiMi", leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and stories that will be told for generations. He was born February 4, 1933, in Cuero Texas, to Fred and Lydia DeDear.
Daddy Rabbit was married to the love of his life for 68 years, and together they built a life rooted in devotion, family, honor, and plenty of humor. Their marriage was a partnership filled with loyalty, shared memories, and the kind of quiet understanding that only comes from many years side by side. Daddy Rabbit Retired from Trunkline Gas Company after 33 years of devoted service.
Daddy Rabbit had a gift for making people feel at home. Once you were in his circle, you were in for good. He was warm, steady, and always ready with a joke or a gentle tease. His sense of humor stayed sharp to the very end, and he believed that laughter was one of life's greatest treasures.
Daddy Rabbit lived a long and meaningful life, guided by love for his family and a knack for finding joy in everyday moments. He was a storyteller, a listener, and someone whose presence made things feel a little more okay. He didn't need to be loud to be unforgettable-his kindness and wit did all the talking.
He leaves behind a legacy, along with family and friends who will miss him deeply and remember him fondly. His legacy lives on in shared laughter, family traditions, and the comforting thought that Daddy Rabbit is still watching over everyone-probably with a smile and something clever to say.
At 92, Daddy Rabbit proved that a life well lived is measured not just in years, but in love given, laughter shared, and the people who gather to remember you.
Daddy Rabbit is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Lydia DeDear, his beloved wife, Lillie "MiMi" DeDear, their son Gerald "Uncle GD" DeDear, and his 5 sisters and 4 brothers.
He is survived by his children, Vernon DeDear and wife Marsha, Donna Wakefield and husband Wallace, and Donald DeDear and wife Angela. Grandchildren Jason DeDear, Stephen DeDear, Samantha Ritz and husband James Jr., Jerry Wakefield and wife Kelly, Jeff Wakefield and Wife Crystal, David DeDear and Wife Kayla. Great-grandchildren, Brayden DeDear, Cassity Jordan, Trey Ritz and wife Jauze, Rebecca Ritz, Shelby Brown and husband Chris, Austin Ainsworth, Savanna Glover and husband Mastin, Lillian Bishop and husband Chad, Kenadee and Andee DeDear, Hunter, Harley, and Kennedy Templeton. Great Great-grandchildren, Alexander Keckler, Elisha Ritz, Kymberlee Ainsworth, Rabs' little robot, Kace Glover, Lane, Stella, and Winston Bishop. He is also survived by his brother Donald R. DeDear and wife Pat, and numerous nieces and nephews, and two special MICE (Dee Hall and Peggy Boone).
Pallbearers:
Vernon DeDear, Donald DeDear, Wallace Wakefield, David DeDear, Jerry Wakefield, Jeff Wakefield, Savanna Glover
Honorary Pallbearers:
Jason DeDear, Stephen DeDear, Baby Bro Donald R. DeDear, Godson James Hesse, Samantha Ritz
He welded his life with sparks and flame,
Steel and sweat, no need for fame.
A lifelong welder, strong and true
He built a world that safely grew.
Sixty-eight years with the love of his life, Forever Mimi- his joy, his wife.
He spoke her name with a shining tune,
Like she hung the stars and the silver moon,
They called him Rabbit, quick with a grin,
A joke half-formed before laughter rolled in.
Vanilla ice cream, simple and sweet,
Copenhagen tucked close, worn boots on his feet,
Br'er Rabbit syrup on biscuits and bread,
Stories and laughter wherever he sat.
He worked hard daily to care and provide,
With quiet pride and shoulders wide.
A brother, a father, a husband, a friend,
The kind of love that will never end
He'd always say, "I love you,"
Like a habit. Like Rabbit.
And though he's gone, he's not away,
He lives in love we feel each day,
For men like him don't fade or part-
They stay forever, welded to the heart.
Written By: Kayla DeDear
Allison Funeral Service
1101 N Travis St, Liberty, TX 77575
People and places connected with Jerry
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry DeDear
Make a Donation
in Jerry DeDear's name
How to support Jerry's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jerry DeDear's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored