Jerry Dee Chastain

Jerry Dee Chastain, 71, of Conroe, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2019. He was born in San Angelo, Texas on May 30, 1947. After graduating from Austin High School in 1966, Jerry joined the United States Navy and served on board the USS McCaffery. Jerry married Trudy "Shari" Gambrell Chastain on March 11, 1972. They celebrated their 47th Wedding Anniversary just two weeks prior to his passing.

In 1976, Jerry received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Sam Houston State University. After graduating from college, Jerry went into business with his father-in-law at Gambrell Equipment. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 1981. Following surgery to partially remove the tumor, Jerry underwent a series of radiation treatments. Although he was never able to return to work, Jerry did remain productive at home, involved in church as much as his health would permit, and dedicated to his wife and daughter while overcoming the challenges presented by his illness.

Jerry was preceded in death by both of his parents James “Bud” Chastain and Ava Lee Morgan Chastain, a brother Perry Lee Chastain, and his father-in-law James Gambrell. He is survived by his wife Shari and his mother-in-law Catherine Gambrell. At the time of his death, Jerry was survived by his daughter Danielle Dee Chastain until she passed just three months after him on June 21, 2019. Danielle was Jerry and Shari's only child. She gave birth to a precious boy who became Jerry and Shari's only grandchild and the greatest blessing of their lives.

Jerry is also survived by his sister and her husband, Marsha and Henry Watts of Austin Texas, as well as 3 nieces, a nephew, their spouses and children.

Including Shari’s cousins and their families, Jerry had many relatives in addition to friends whose prayers encouraged and gave him the strength to not only survive but also thrive for 38 years following his cancer diagnosis. Because of many prayers and his faith, Jerry experienced the miracle of a full life well beyond the number of years presumed possible by medical experts. He was a good, kind, and loving man whose smile and pleasant nature made him a joy to be around. He was also a devoted husband and loving father who will be dearly missed.