Jerry Dale Steelman

Jerry Dale Steelman, age 71, passed away Friday, January 14, 2011 in Houston, Texas. He was born December 25, 1939 in Denison, Texas.

Married his wife Janiece Roberson at ages 15 & 16. He is survived by his wife Janiece and daughters, Margo Steelman Davis and husband Sam of Blanco, Texas; Sabrina Steelman of Victoria; and the Apple of his eye his granddaughter Shelby Steelman of Victoria; His brother James Steelman and wife Nadine of Red Oak, Texas and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Shelby Odell Steelman and Martha Helen Turner Steelman.

Jerry grew up as a son of a dirt farmer coming out of the great depression and the start of World War II. It was from these meager times that he learned a lot of his lifelong values of love for church and family. He graduated from Denison High School, Denison, Texas in 1958. He served 4 years in the United States Navy. While in the Navy he served on the U.S.S. Kittyhawk as an Aviation Structural Mechanic Hydraulics. Upon his discharge from the navy he began a career in the office equipment industry which lead to his moving to Victoria, Texas with his family and eventually purchasing his own business in 1977. Jerry and his family have owned and operated Victoria Office Equipment, Inc. for the past 34 years with his strong commitment of customer service.

Although he didn’t travel a lot, Jerry had travelled the world through books and maps and would love to talk about events and geography to anyone. History was also a passion of his and the topic of many conversations.

Jerry was a catholic and a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. He was a member of the Men’s A.C.T.S. Community where he had attended one retreat and served on four teams. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 1329 where he served as a Bingo Volunteer on Wednesday nights.

Jerry was a nice, compassionate and giving man of faith. He loved his family, his dogs, his community, his church and most of all God. He would always greet you with a smile and a hand shake or a hug. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed. May his soul enjoy the eternal peace in God’s Kingdom forever and ever, Amen.

A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at Colonial Funeral Home Chapel. The Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 am Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, with the Rev. Stan DeBoe and Rev. Sonny Moreira officiating. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Mausoleum with full military honors under Auspices of Victoria County Veterans Council, AL, CWV, VFW, DAV, MCL, MOWW, Ex-POW, MOPH, VVA and the KWV.

Serving as pallbearers are Sam Davis, Thomas Shelby Steelman, James Steelman, Garry Sartor, Garrell Conner and Kevin Lovel. Honorary Pallbearers include the Our Lady of Sorrows Men’s A.C.T.S., Knights of Columbus Council # 1329, the Nurses, Doctors and Staff of St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, the Patriot Motorcyle Honor Guard, and the employees of Victoria Office Equipment.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Houston, TX for being the best place in the world for medical care.

Words of comfort may be shared with the Family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home, Victoria, Texas 361-578-3535