Jerry Wayne Deckard passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Country View Living Skilled Nursing Home in Dimmitt, Texas at the age of 78.

Jerry Wayne Deckard was born to Carl and Ruby Deckard on February 15, 1947, in Exeter, California.

The family eventually moved to Portales, New Mexico.

At the tender age of 17 Jerry enlisted in the Army National Guard in January 1965 and received his honorable discharge in January 1971.

In September of 1967 Jerry met and fell in love with Betty Mitchell of Farmington, NM. Jerry lived in Portales, NM at the time and Betty was a freshman at Eastern New Mexico University. Jerry and Betty were married on December 21, 1968, in Farmington, NM.

They made their first home in Portales, NM then moved to Elida, NM where Jerry farmed. In 1970 Jerry had an opportunity to work for the Texas Highway Department in Bovina, Texas. Then in 1972 he started working for Deaf Smith County Rural Electric and worked from Bovina before moving to Hereford in 1974. Jerry retired from Deaf Smith County Rural Electric in 2009 after 37 years with the company.

After Jerry retired he and Betty enjoyed playing golf together and watching old westerns.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters Tonya (Bubba) Long of Canyon, TX, and Traci (Mike) Thomas of Valle de Oro, TX; grand-daughters Bridgett and Heather Long of Amarillo, TX; grand-son Dakota (Maddie) Thomas, great-granddaughter Remi and great-grandson Huxlee of Snyder, TX and grand-son Roper (Jaci) Thomas of Edmond, OK.

Jerry is also survived by his siblings: Betty Esparsen of Portales, NM; Charles (Barbara) Deckard of Blue Ridge, TX; Larry Deckard of Abernathy, TX; Debbie (Tony) Martin of Abilene, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Ruby Deckard and brothers Danny, Terry and Alva Ray Deckard.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Samaritan Hospice, Hereford, TX or Country View Living Skilled Nursing home in Dimmitt, TX.

A Memorial Service honoring Jerry will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:30 am at First Methodist Church with Pastor Braden Ryan officiating. Arrangements and Cremation Services have been entrusted to Mendez and Mullins Family Funeral Home of Hereford.