Jerry Don Dugger

Jerry Dugger was born on March 3, 1941, in Killeen, Texas. He passed on February 27th at the age of 84 surrounded by his wife and children. His life was a legacy of quiet service honoring his faith and family.

Jerry Dugger was the son of Benjamin and Laura Motl Dugger. Jerry joined his 3 brothers, Charles, Benjamin Earl, James and sister Loe Nell. He was always known as Ben's baby boy. Jerry was raised at Killeen First Methodist because his mother had attended this church all her life. Ben Dugger made certain that each of his sons learned the family business of building and shared in this business.

Jerry married Carolyn, the love of his life in 1981. She was his best friend, and together they built a life and family centered around their faith and their love. Their home and backyard were always open to church and friends, and they enjoyed driving the backroads on their many travels. Jerry coached sports for his children, attended recitals, plays and more band concerts than could ever be counted. No matter the hour, he always answered the phone to talk to his children whenever they called- day or night. He always put his family first and showed his love through the acts of service. He loved the phone calls and time spent with his children and he loved to share a cup of coffee with his friends from church. He cherished his time working with his friends in Frisch Park. In addition to his gift of building, he loved to garden and spend time outdoors. He considered his time outdoors to be the times when he was closest to the Lord.

Jerry graduated from Killeen High School in 1959 where he was a proud football-playing Kangaroo. He then attended North Texas University. He returned home to first serve as a barber, then at the U.S. Post Office, but always a builder. When his father died, Jerry led the family business and cared for his mother. Jerry loved building and caring for family!

After selling the family business, Jerry continued to build. With Andy Coleman and Jim Butler, they built the fellowship hall at St. Andrew's Methodist Church. Jerry continued to pass on his love of building and helping others by leading youth on mission trips to build and repair homes for the poor and elderly. When the downtown church was sold, he stepped forward under the guidance of Rev. Skip Blancett. Skip, Chet Frisch and Jerry planned the park to reflect the foundation of our faith. The building of the park built such a foundation for many young children, young men and women, and our community. Frisch Park continues to reach out to our community to share the love of Christ. Jerry was so thankful that the dedication of service through the park brought him friendship with Willie and Gabrielle Singleton, Bill Haynes, and Glenn Morrison.

Jerry was honored as a Medicine Man for this lifelong dedication of service in 2016. Medicine Men is an organization started by Bill Alford to honor men who did good things in the community, making "good medicine." As John Odom said, "Jerry is a man of integrity, gentility, and quiet strength." This honor truly reflected Jerry's dedication to service. Jerry is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carolyn Dugger and his 5 children. Jerry Glenn Dugger (Joann), Richard Dugger (Kimberly), Holly Dugger Babb (James), Hayley Dugger Hersey (Prescott) and Patrick McLean (Abigail). He is survived by 8 cherished grandchildren, Amber Stokes (Sean), Jerry Charles Dugger (Kritsana), Devin Wahrmund (Amanda), Duston Wahrmund, Taylor Mata (Mark), Paige Dugger, Avery Babb and Owen Turner Babb, and 6 great-grandchildren, Connor and Colin Stokes, Indy Mata, and Nolan, Lainey and Lucas Wahrmund. He is also survived by his sister, Loe Nell Wilson and sister in law, Dora Dugger, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Harper Talasek Funeral Home on Friday March 6th from 6:00-8:00 pm. Service will be at First United Methodist Church- Killeen on Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 pm. Memorials may be made to Killeen First United Methodist Church.