Gerald W. Marinik Sr.

Gerald Wayne Marinik, Sr. was called home May 10, 2023 after a battle with dementia. Gerald lived a full life surrounded by love and laughter which was robbed from him this past year. Dementia is often called the Long Goodbye as it robs you of your memories and robs your loved ones of time with you.

Gerald was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Steve Marinik, Sr.; his mother, Annie Mae (Baker) Marinik and his brother, Earnest Steve Marinik, Jr.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Betty (Farmer) Marinik; son, Gerald Wayne Marinik, Jr. and daughter-in-law Myrna; daughter, Cara Cantu and son-in-law, Martin; and grandchildren, Caitlyn Cantu, Iyanna Benavides and Garrett Marinik. Gerald is also survived by his sister, Linda Blevins and brother-in-law JD; sister-in-law June Marinik and nephews, Johnny and Chad Marinik.

Gerald was a native Texan born in Temple, Texas on August 4, 1948. Gerald graduated from Temple High School and soon after served our country by joining the Navy during the Vietnam Era where he served as a jet aircraft mechanic. As a veteran, he never passed up an opportunity to thank a veteran for their service.

Gerald married the love of his life, Betty Farmer, on September 14, 1968 and enjoyed the next 54 years raising his family and watching his grandkids grow up. He could be found spending weekends with his grandkids hunting, fishing, scouting, attending ballet recitals and ice skating events with his grandkids.

Gerald loved to travel with his family and his journeys included travels to Alaska, the Panama Canal Zone, the Caribbean and all corners of the US. Gerald and Betty were able to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary with a family trip to Hawaii. The highlight of the trip for Gerald was being able to pay his respects to the fallen sailors at Pearl Harbor.

Gerald was an avid NASCAR fan and could be found most Sundays watching races. One of his favorite memories was attending the races at Texas Motor Speedway with Wayne and Martin. Gerald also spent many weekends in the Texas Hill Country hunting with his family and friends

Gerald spent a large portion of his professional life as a custom home builder and later became the building inspector for several towns in central Texas. In his later years Gerald enjoyed sitting in his backyard feeding, nurturing and watching the birds that visited daily.

A lifelong Christian, Gerald spent many years serving as a Baptist Deacon.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 20, at 10:00 a.m. followed by funeral and graveside services at 11:00 a.m. All services will be held at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Rd, Temple, Texas 76504.