Gloria Jean Kermes of Plano, Texas passed away April 26, 2023 at the age of 85. She was born on September 14, 1937 to Edgar English Stewart and Violet Lillian (Dushaw) Stewart in Rowes Run, Pennsylvania. Jean always appreciated two very special teachers from her educational years, Ms. Sara Latorre, Shorthand/Typing teacher, and Mrs. Martha Barantovich, English teacher/ Activity Sponsor, who made learning interesting and served her well in her chosen professional field. From 1956 – 1963, she was Secretary to the Chief Industrial Engineer at Republic Steel Corporation General Offices in Cleveland, Ohio. Jean married David Lee Kermes on July 27, 1957 in Rowes Run, Pennsylvania. Following her marriage to Dave, she devoted her time to her family as full-time wife, mother, chef, and bottle washer until 1977.
Jean made their sons and her family first priority. Jean and Dave raised three sons, all graduates of the North Texas Regional Police Academy in Arlington, Texas. Their oldest son, David, a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy, a former Police Officer of Plano, Texas and retired Sr. Border Patrol Agent in the Tucson Sector; second son, Scott, a Military Police for the United State Air Force and retired Police Officer of Plano; and youngest son, Jack, a Police Officer for the City of Richardson were her pride and joy who were moved into second place only by her precious grandchildren.
Next to family time, Jean enjoyed Dave’s talent for making their yard a place of enjoyment for many types of birds, especially Hummingbirds and Bluebirds. While living at Lake Kiowa, Texas for 10 years, Jean and Dave served on many Boards and Committees. She was on the Board of Directors of the Kiowa Chapel for two years, serving first as Correspondence Secretary, then as Treasurer. Jean also served for two years as Recording Secretary, Chairman of the Rules Committee on the Board of Directors for the Kiowa Woman’s Club.
When she returned to the workforce, Jean worked for the City of Richardson Police Department as Senior Administrative Secretary to the Chief of Police until her retirement in 1989. Following retirement, she and Dave traveled for two years, trying out new restaurants and simply enjoying their time together. Jean was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved her.
Jean is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dave Kermes; sons, David Kermes, Scott Kermes and wife, Bonnie, and Jack Kermes and wife, Christy; granddaughter, Renee Perry and husband, Mark; grandsons, Michael Kermes and Kyle Kermes; and numerous other loving family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, DuWayne Stewart; and sisters, Mildred Thompson and Nancy Stewart.
A private graveside service will be held at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas. Condolences to the family may be sent to Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.