Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Jerry Leslie Loughridge, age 71, passed peacefully on August 31, 2019 after a long and courageous battle with Lewy body dementia.

Jerry was born in Celina, Ohio to Cleo and James Loughridge on December 18, 1947.

A career military man, Jerry served for 40 years in the service of the country he loved. He began his career in the United States Army in 1969 as a recruit in basic training at Fort Jackson South Carolina. That same year, he found himself stationed in Bad Kissingen, Germany as a Military Policeman.

After his service overseas, Jerry spent many years serving in the Ohio and Texas Army National Guard. Jerry served in multiple missions during his time with the Army National Guard. He assisted with the mobilization of troops and supplies for Operation Desert Storm, for hurricane, storm, and natural disaster relief and provided humanitarian aid overseas in Kosovo.

Throughout the years, Jerry served in multiple infantry, armored cavalry and forward support units with the Army National Guard. He performed many duties and assignments while attached to these units. Jerry was a military police officer, a fire direction controller for a mortar section, a platoon sergeant, and a recruiter in Bryan, Texas.

His last assignment was in 2008 as a Force Readiness NCO, a Medical Operation Sergeant for the 536th Brigade Support Battalion in Houston Texas.

A proud soldier, Jerry believed in honor, dedication, and devotion to God, family, and country. He was a mentor and a leader to all who served with him.

A longtime community member of Wallis, Texas, Jerry enjoyed baseball, traveling, and was a devoted father and grandfather.

His wife of 23 years, Delfina Loughridge; his daughters, April Payne and her husband Tom; Amy Peacock and her husband Neil; stepdaughter, Michele Leach and her husband David; and stepson, James Moncrief and his wife Spring, will cherish his memory.

Jerry's surviving family includes his five cherished grandchildren who were his pride and joy. They include Austin Payne, Isabelle Payne, Genevieve Peacock, Hunter Leach, and Sammy Reyes. Jerry will forever be in their hearts.

His beloved surviving extended family members include his brother, James and his wife Elaine; his twin brother, Tom and his wife Sandra; and his sister, Debbie Adams and her husband Denny; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends in Ohio and Texas.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, September 3rd from 5pm - 7pm at Knesek Funeral Home in Wallis, Texas.

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, at 10AM at the funeral home.

A military graveside service will be held at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Houston, Texas at 2:15pm on Wednesday.

Arrangements are under the direction of Knesek Funeral Home.