Gerald Walter Dalrymple Jr

Mr. Gerald Walter Dalrymple Jr. passed away peacefully in his home in Montgomery Texas on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at the age of 72. Gerry, as he was affectionately known to his family and friends, was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on September 12, 1944 to Gerald Walter Sr. and Ruth C. (Tobie) Dalrymple. He graduated from Bloomington (Illinois) High School in 1962. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Arizona State University in 1968. After college he enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the Artillery Division. During his service he received National Defense Medals including Expert Badge for, Rifle M-14, Rifle M-16 and Hand Grenade. After graduating from Officer Candidate School he became a Commissioned Officer as a 1st Lieutenant and was assigned to the 6th Battalion, 21st Artillery. During his deployment to Vietnam he was promoted to a 2nd Lieutenant as a Field Artillery Unit Commander. His bravery during the Vietnam War awarded him a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/Star, RVN Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Army Commendation Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster and a Bronze Star. He was a proud Veteran of the Vietnam War and continued his service as a member with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4709, Conroe, Texas; Disabled Veterans Chapter 78, Montgomery, Texas and Artillery OCS Alumni Chapter, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He volunteered countless hours at the Vet Center, “keeping the promise” #711 with David Caldwell, LMSW in Houston, Texas. He was known for his ability and compassion to help anyone he came in contact with. In 1981, Gerry had two milestones in his life. He began his sobriety with AA where he helped many others obtain sobriety and a clean way of life. He also began his own business as a Manufactures Representative for the Automotive Industry, becoming one of the top Reps in Texas by creating and maintaining lifelong relationships with his vendors and customers. He also enjoyed golf, even hitting “a hole in one”. He loved hunting, spending time outdoors and was a member of the NRA and Texas Trophy Hunters Association. Gerry was loved, respected and admired by those who were fortunate enough to know him. Gerry is survived by his loving wife Gail Hood Dalrymple of Montgomery, Texas. His step-daughters: Kari French and husband John, grandsons Jacob and Jeffrey of Huntsville, Texas; Larra Hood and spouse Stephen Smith of San Antonio, Texas. He is also survived by his mother, Ruth Tobie Wieting of Leroy, Illinois; Brother David Dalrymple and wife Ellen of Lake Villa, Illinois; Sister Janet Schroeder and husband Richard of Leroy, Illinois and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Walter Dalrymple Sr. Grandparents; Walter and Amy Matthews Dalrymple and Reverend Edwin and Carrie Mansfield Tobie of Illinois. Gerry was preceded in death by his former wife Patricia Dalrymple of Montgomery, Texas. He is survived by his step-sons: Kevin Rodenbaugh and wife Trisha, grandson Brandon of Cypress, Texas; Scott Rodenbaugh and wife Dana, grandson Alec and granddaughter Jordan of Houston, Texas. A viewing will be held Friday, November 18th from 6 -8 pm at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. Services will be held Saturday, November 19th at 10 am at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville officiated by Elkins Lake Baptist Church Pastor, Dr. Ken Huggins. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Oakwood Cemetery - Adickes Addition in Huntsville, Texas. Honorary Pallbearers: John French, Stephen Smith, Kevin Rodenbaugh, Scott Rodenbaugh, Jacob French, Jeffrey French and Alec Rodenbaugh. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerry’s memory to the Warrior and Family Support Center Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Disabled Veterans Chapter 78, Montgomery, Texas or VFW Post 4709, Conroe, Texas.

Gerald Walter Dalrymple Jr

September 12, 1944 - November 15, 2016