Jerry Dwight Hooper Sr.

Jerry Dwight Hooper, 79, met our Lord in Heaven on March 14, 2026 in his home surrounded by family. He was born to Millard Jerry Hooper and Gloria Mae Stephenson Hooper on October 15, 1946 in Ranger.

As early as 13, Jerry took his first paying job at The Derrick Cafe in Abilene. He continued as a dishwasher at Old Rip Cafe in Eastland at 14 years of age. Throughout High School he worked at Premium Filling Station in Eastland and upon Graduation from Olden High School in 1965, Jerry entered service in the US Navy as a Seaman on the USS Tulare during the Vietnam Conflict. He was Honorably discharged in 1969. He remained in the National Reserves until 1971.

In July of 1969 He married Joanna Mae Kleiner and had their first child in June of 1970. Although Jerry was saved at a young age, he fully gave his life to Christ in 1974 and started teaching a junior boys Sunday School class on a bus at Merriman Baptist Church.

Jerry and Joanna opened their home and hearts to many foster kids that eventually led to the adoption of a family of 5 children that would change their lives forever for the better. While working fulltime, serving in full time ministry, and Raising 6 kids he somehow crammed 4 years of college into 6 years and graduated Texas Baptist Bible College in 1985. Shortly after graduation he was called to serve at a few other churches before moving his family and settling in Eastland county where they adopted their youngest daughter in 1988.

In 1994, he took the pastorate at Liberty Baptist Church for 25 faithful years, resigning in 2019 to focus on Joanna's failing health. In 2021, just three months shy of their 52nd Anniversary Joanna went to be with the Lord. Jerry threw his focus once more into leading people to Christ as the pastor of Merriman Baptist Church in August of 2021, resigning due to his own health issues in October of 2025, and succumbing to those health issues in March of 2026. Jerry lived a full life teaching by example, and making mistakes like anyone else. He loved people and he loved the Lord and was never afraid to swallow a goldfish to get kids to come to church.

In addition to his Parents he is Predeceased by his Wife Joanna Hooper, a sister, Colleen Young, a daughter Christine Huyck, and several cousins, aunts and uncles.

He is survived by a brother, Larry Hooper (Nita); four sisters, Loueva Kramer (Gene), Mary Ensor (Wilson Jr), Deedra Scott, and Loyce Jones (Terry); his Children, Jerry Hooper Jr. Virginia Howard (Anthony), John Hooper, Misty Hooper, Deric Hooper (Lori) and Elizabeth Jones (Paul); 19 Grandkids and 33 Great Grandkids with one on the way; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Merriman Baptist Church in Ranger Texas, with a graveside service to follow at Merriman Cemetery. Lunch will be provided at 12 PM for the family. Any donated dishes can be coordinated with Butch Hinkle at 325-725-3199 and dropped off between 10 AM and 12 PM at Merriman Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Viewing and Visitation will be held at 12 PM, two hours prior to the funeral for anyone who wishes to sign the guest book but not attend the Funeral. If you'd like to send flowers please contact: BloominDales Floral Design 325-692-1470