Jerry M. Deford

Jerry was a graduate of Grand Prairie High School Class of 1954. He then attended the University of North Texas. Jerry left the university prior to graduating, to pursue other opportunities.

Always a diligent worker and tradesman, he leveraged these skills to install hardwood flooring and hang sheetrock in his early life. He used the proceeds from his efforts to buy a brand new vibrant white and red 1958 Austin-Healey 100-6 British convertible sports car.

His interest in this rare automobile was soon displaced by a petite brunette from Ferris, TX whom he happened to meet via his fraternity brother. This woman was Sandra Jean Wickliffe, and she was soon to become the love of his life and wife of 49 years. They wed on June 25, 1960, and went on to have two children: Michelle and Jeff. Jerry and Sandra shared their strong family values, laughter, and spirit of adventure. Values that live on in their family and have been passed on to their extended families. He loved Sandra profoundly, deeply, and eternally. Their children cannot recall a harsh word ever spoken between them. Their relationship was a wonderful example of how love and devotion between a husband and wife should be.

Jerry had a long and successful career in which he applied his strong work ethic and abilities to turn a dead-end job on the back dock of TI into a career as an Engineering Manager in semiconductor manufacturing. By virtue of his sheer determination, outworking his peers, and excellent industry timing, he was awarded the title of Engineer with no formal training. He was able to retire as a gold-badged (30+ years) employee at TI, then later retired from Honeywell fully vested and respected by colleagues and loyal employees throughout his extended career.

After retirement, Jerry went on to travel extensively with Sandra where they wandered abroad multiple times and shared their passion for adventure and quality time with each other. He and Sandra traveled the world from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to active volcanos in Costa Rica.

He was the fun one in the family. The one who filled the junk food drawer with chips and cookies, and the parent most likely to say “yes” to any request. He was a patient teacher and made sure all his family, from his children right down to his great-grandchildren knew how to fish and created a wonderful family cabin and lake so they could experience the things he loved about east Texas! His grandchildren particularly liked it when their Pawpaw would bring out his vast array of guns and let them shoot skeet or targets. He was also known to let unlicensed drivers get behind the wheel on the property to practice their new driving skills. 4 wheelers, zip lines, family Thanksgiving celebrations, deer hunting, fishing, and bonfires with s’mores were all a part of the “Ponderosa “experience with their Pawpaw.

His hobbies and passions included spending quality time with his family, traveling, scuba diving, hunting, fishing, trips to the casino as a slot-machine charmer, and taking on new challenges even as he aged. In his 70s and into his early 80s, he was water skiing, snow skiing, riding snowmobiles, indoor sky diving, hot air balloon rides, NASCAR ride-along experiences, WWII plane rides, and even expressed a strong desire to skydive out of a real plane.

As a father and grandfather, he was always there for every event – football, lacrosse games, FFA shows, dance recitals, choir performances, birthdays, weddings, births, and graduations. His family was always a top priority.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife of 49 years Sandra Jean DeFord in 2010.

Jerry is survived by his daughter Michelle Jeutter and husband Jeb, his son Jeff DeFord and wife Terry, his seven grandchildren, who lovingly called him "Pawpaw", Cody DeFord, Jason DeFord, Cameron Jeutter Carr, Bailey Jeutter, Cole DeFord, Trey Jeutter, and Brittany Rood, his six great-grandchildren as well as many extended family members, and dear friends, and his “brother from another mother” L.H. Pounds, of whom were blessed to have known him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt love and gratitude to Nikki Higgins, who cared for Jerry in his final days providing him with care, compassion, companionship, and comfort for his family.

A memorial service for Jerry will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM at Ted Dickey Funeral Home, 2128 18th Street, Plano, TX 75074.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.TedDickeyFuneral.com for the Deford family.