Jerry Wayne Pilkenton was born August 28, 1946 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Luther and Charlotte (Bergmann) Pilkenton. He was the 3rd of 4 children. He passed away on January 30, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital in The Woodlands, Texas of Covid-19 complications. He was 74 years old.
Jerry attended school in the Aldine school district in Houston, Texas. He worked his entire career in the Welding Supply Industry. He started his career working for Welding in Houston, as a teenager. In later years, he moved to Texas City with his young family where he worked. After a move to Conroe, Texas to be closer to extended family, he worked for Conroe Welding, and later for Tri-Gas Services where he eventually retired. Just like his father, Jerry loved to work. He was a people-person and enjoyed the daily interaction with co-workers and customers, so after a brief retirement he returned to Conroe Welding where he worked happily for the remainder of his life.
Jerry married his wife, Sandra Moore Pilkenton when they were both very young. They were married over 50 years at the time of her death in 2016. They enjoyed going out to eat, taking trips to Lake Charles, and attending any and every sporting event, dance recital or school play their grandchildren and great-grandchildren were involved in. Jerry and Sandra had two children, David and Stacy. He enjoyed family trips to locations around the Unites States, Las Vegas being one of their favorite destinations. Jerry enjoyed playing poker in the casinos, on the internet, and with friends at occasional poker nights. He loved family gatherings and was the best “Paw-Paw” around to his eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Some people never have the privilege of knowing love in their life, but Jerry had the blessing of finding love twice in his. Jerry married his second wife Enia Gori in 2017. During their time together he explored many new interests in his life. He ate at new restaurants, tried different foods, attending shows at the theatre, and traveling internationally. Jerry and Enia bought a new home and settled in Conroe. They enjoyed spending time alone together, as well as with their family and many friends.
Jerry was one of kind heart and soul. His generosity was unmatched. He was always willing to help anyone in need, many times anonymously. Taking care of others was one of his passions. He loved to sit with family and talk about the past, especially reliving old stories of when he was very young. Anyone who knew Jerry knew that he was one of the best jokers around and loved to laugh, even referring to himself as an “Old Fart”. Anyone who came into contact with him, even briefly knew how kind and selfless he was. He was loved endlessly and will be missed by so many.
Jerry’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember all the times that their Paw-Paw showed up for them and showed them what true unconditional love truly was. Fond memories of singing songs, like “High Hopes” by Frank Sinatra and playing card games during sleepovers to their Nan and Paw’s house.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Luther and Charlotte Pilkenton, his brothers Gene Pilkenton and Wesley Pilkenton, and his wife Sandra Pilkenton.
He is survived by his second wife Enia Gori, son David Pilkenton and wife Schai of Conroe, daughter Stacy Kroll and husband David of Montgomery and step-son Fabiano Gori of Houston. legacy will live on through his grandchildren, Callan Riddles, Rylan Riddles and wife Megan, Keytan Strong and husband Andrew, Ambryn Kroll, Camden Kroll, Addison Kroll, Kyler Pilkenton and Kelen Pilkenton. His precious great-grandchildren who he adored are: Landyn, Aubrey, Slayder, Valor, Wesley, Ross, Emily, Daphne, Oscar. Jerry is also survived by sister Carla Pilkenton Falco and husband Lee, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and friends.
Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 2:00pm at Cashner Funeral Home.
