Jerry Leon Gearheard, 81, of Frisco, Texas, went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2019. He was born September 20, 1938 in Enid Oklahoma, the son of Marshall and Nadine Gearheard. Jerry graduated from Enid High School where he played football and participated in other sports including track, baseball, and intramural swimming. He attended Oklahoma State University where his Phi Delta Theta fraternity brother, John Vice, introduced him to his twin sister Janet who quickly became the love of his life. Jerry says that Janet was the best thing that ever happened to him because he decided to quit partying and start studying after he met her. Janet continued to keep him in line for the next six decades.
Jerry graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1960 with a degree in Accounting. After college, he completed his basic training in the Air Force reserve at Lackland Air Force Base. He then joined Continental Oil Company as an accountant in Ponca City, Oklahoma where he held various positions including Internal Auditor and Organization Consultant. While in Ponca City, he studied hard and passed the CPA exam. He went on to serve as Staff Accountant to the international Controller in New York City.
In 1970, Jerry started a career at Atlantic Richfield Oil Company where for over 22 years he held various positions of progressive importance including Organizational Consulting in Los Angeles and Accounting and Policy Manager in Dallas. He received his MBA from Pepperdine University in 1976.
In July 2004, an excellent opportunity with Agrium, Inc. became available that fit his professional skills perfectly; a temporary position implementing internal controls required by the Congressional Act known as Sarbanes-Oxley continued for over seven years in Fresno, California and Loveland, Colorado. When Jerry retired from Atlantic Richfield Oil Company as the Manager of Accounting Policy, he thought his professional career had ended. God and Congress looked out for Jerry and his family and he was able to work until he was ready to retire.
Jerry was most proud of his family and grandchildren, Maggie and Reagan Stone, and Cade, Mia and Leila Roberti. He loved to watch them play various sports and attend their performances. Jerry attended Preston Trail Community Church. His hope and peace were in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He knew that when this day came, he would live eternally in Heaven because of his faith in Christ. He leaves a legacy of children and grandchildren who share his faith. Jerry’s favorite pastimes included golf, fishing, working in the yard and spending time with his wife and extended family.
He is survived by his sister, Lois Korn of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; brother, Richard Gearheard of Fort Collins, Colorado; his wife of 59 years, Janet Gearheard; and daughters, Maria Stone of Coppell, Texas and Karie Roberti of Frisco, Texas.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2019 at Preston Trails Community Church, 8055 Independence Parkway, Frisco, Texas. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2019 at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas.