Gerald Merit Jarvis

Gerald Merit Jarvis, 73, of Cleveland, Texas, passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021. On Thursday, November 27, 1947, he was born in Wilksville, Ohio, to Fred Jarvis and Alene (Bishop) Jarvis, who have preceded him in death.

Gerald was also preceded in death by his brothers, John, Fred, Paul Jarvis and his great-granddaughter, Piper Joyce Barrientez.

We will remember Gerald as the loving husband he was. His loyalty and devotion to his wife spanned over 55 years and three weeks. He extended this dedication to everyone in his family. Before his grandchildren became his pride and joy, he spent his spare time racing cars and working on dump trucks.

His passion was driving vintage cars and trucks. He raced cars until 1989, when his first grandson, James Hinden, was born to his daughter Juanita Murrell. Soon after, he turned his passion into his profession and provided the best life to his children and grandchildren. 

Gerald's priority above all in life was his family. He was an excellent provider and always offered to help out his family anytime they needed him. We can see his selflessness in his warm, loving smile. He wore it like a loaded gun, ready to use when needed.

Gerald is reunited in heaven with his daughter, Lisette Jarvis. Together they will wait for the family members who have yet to pass. Left to cherish the memory of a loving husband, father, and grandfather is his wife, Rita Jarvis.

His children, Delphia and Branden Neitzel of Highlands, Juanita and Timothy Murrell of Tarkington, Steven Jarvis and partner Rick Harnamji of Missouri City, Sunday and Joseph Shibley of Kingwood, and Michael and Tiffany Jarvis of Amarillo, will remember him dearly.

His many grandchildren, James and Krysta Hinden, Holli Hankamer, Sean Kivi and husband Arvyn Braich, Victoria and Matthew Windham, Paige and John Wright, Amie and Worley Salls, Gloria Shibley, Zachary Gerald Jarvis, Myles and Brianna Jarvis, Clayton Murrell, Natalie and Taylor Bennett, Michaela and Jordan Barrientez, Damian Hall, Eric Hall, Kaylee and Cameron Thompson, Jayden Hall, Brittany Alvardo, Adrienne Freeman, and Ricky Wade, will commemorate him in honor.

He left behind many great-grandchildren, too. Kay-Dee Hinden, Lisa Merie Perry, Yvonne Perry, Landon Wright, Kendall Hinden, Ivey Thompson, Remi Bennett, Ainsley Bennett, Karinna Barrientez, Jordan Barrientez Jr., Dajuan Flenory, Jayvyn Flenory, Satine Bassett, Nehemiah Raymond, Maddie Salls, Benjamin Water and Ashlynn Weeks.

Many other friends and family members whom he cared for and helped during his life will remember him.

Visitation for Gerald will be held at Neal Funeral Home on Monday, September 13, 2021, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Funeral Services for Gerald will be held at Neal Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 1:00 pm.

Interment for Gerald will immediately follow at Ryan Cemetery and Branden Neitzel is officiating the ceremony.

The Jarvis family trusts Neal Funeral Home to care for and handle all services related to his final goodbye.

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