Jerry Lewis Theobald

Funeral services for Jerry Lewis Theobald, 65, of Gainesville are set for 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2009 at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Geo. J. Carrol & Son Funeral Home.

Jerry was born Oct. 16, 1944 in Denison to Emmett and Ruby Davis Theobald. The family moved to Gainesville shortly thereafter where Jerry lived the remainder of his life. He was employed as an engineer for the Santa Fe Railroad and later Burlington Northern, for over 30 years. On Dec. 10, 1976 he married the love of his life, Shirlene Mays in Gainesville.

The greatest joy in Jerry's life was his family. His wife Shirlene followed by his brother, children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Nothing brought him more happiness than to see those nieces and nephews at play, laughing and just enjoying being kids. He was always the first one to crack a joke and make you laugh or smile. He just enjoyed life so much and it was all about his family. He will be so greatly missed by his family and the many wonderful friends he's made through his lifetime.

He is survived by his wife, Shirlene Mays Theobald; daughter, Sonya Elmore, of Gainesville; step-son, Joe LeGear of Denton; grandsons, Chaz LeGear and Brian Elmore, of Gainesville; one brother, Mike Theobald and his wife Leta Beeler Theobald of Red Oak and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett Merle and Ruby Davis Theobald.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Ochs, Paul Ritchy, Matt Pugh, David Evans, Lawrence Siger, Eric Carter, Morgan Herd and Dwayne.

The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. this evening, Oct. 29, 2009 at the funeral home.