Roll Call Tribute

Published in Odessa American on November 18, 2011

Gerald Clayton Puckett
FORT STOCKTON Prominent West Texas rancher, banker and agricultural leader, Gerald Clayton Puckett of Ft. Stockton died Tuesday in San Angelo.

Jerry was born Mar. 11, 1925 in Brady, Texas. He was a long time resident of Pecos county. He graduated from Ft. Stockton high school and served with the U.S. Army in both the European and Pacific theaters during World War II. He truly was a part of the greatest generation. Later he graduated from Texas A&M University in 1946 and continued a lifetime love affair with Aggieland.

Jerry served as Chairman of the Board of the Pecos County State Bank until his retirement. He continued to ranch in Pecos County up until his passing. Even in advanced age, he continued to drive the 35 miles to the ranch nearly every day.

Jerry served on numerous boards dealing with agriculture and property rights. He was a director of the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership, Texas Aeronautical Board and Davis Mountains Trans Pecos Heritage Association. He was named Rancher of the Year in 1999 by Ranch Magazine. Jerry was also named Texas Man of the Year in Agriculture in 1973. TSGRA awarded him the Fred Earwood award in 2009.

One of Jerry's greatest achievements was his association with the Southwest Animal Health Foundation. He served as treasurer. The group raised money and conducted research on the eradication of the screwworm menace that plagued the United States and Mexico. They were successful in creating a barrier from the U.S. to Panama by using sterile flies, disrupting reproduction. His and the efforts of many others saved ranchers, farmers and producers countless dollars and labor.

He always had an adventurous spirit. Jerry was an accomplished pilot and avid fisherman. He enjoyed his association with the River Ratus Americanus, a group dedicated to fishing in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States and the World. At the age of 82, he completed his last trip with the group by floating and walking out of the Grand Canyon.

Jerry married Eva Jane Warnock on Dec. 21, 1948 in Ft. Stockton. She preceded him in death in 2010. He was also preceded in death by son, Gary Puckett. Jerry is survived by daughter, Leslye (Perry) Curnutt of San Angelo; son, Roger (Chris) Puckett of Ft. Stockton and daughter-in-law, Mary Puckett of Ft. Davis. He is also survived by sister, Glenna Puckett Robbins of San Antonio. He was also 'PaPa' to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You could find Jerry at all his grandchildren's events from football games to stock shows. He is survived by grandchildren, Worth (Becky) Puckett of Ft. Davis, Matt (Leah) Puckett of Houston, Jennifer Puckett Gonzales of Midland, Hannah Curnutt of College Station, Sam Curnutt of San Angelo. He's also survived by great-grandson, Clayton Puckett of Arizona, Jacy Puckett of Ft. Davis and Carson Gonzales of Midland.

Pallbearers are nephews, Sam Pfiester, Don Pfiester, Eddie Pfiester and Seth Warnock. Additional pallbearers are Worth Puckett, Matt Puckett, Sam Curnutt, Bill Vasquez and Clayton Puckett. Honorary pallbearers are Henry Vasquez and his friends from the River Rats and coffee klatch. The family would also like to express a special thanks to the dedication of Johnny and Olga Rivera and Henry and Bill Vasquez.

The family will celebrate Jerry's life with friends at Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend, Friday, Nov. 18th from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19th at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church-Ft. Stockton with pastor Neely Landrum officiating. Burial will follow at East Hill cemetery.

A good rain, an Aggie win, a world with no screwworms and his grandchildren summarize a life well lived by a man who left a big footprint. Now it's off for another great adventure. We all love you!