Jerry Allen Stoeppleman, 57, passed away Thursday, August 26, 2010, at Skaggs Hospital in Branson, Missouri.
He was born October 22, 1952, in Silsbee, to Mittie Aline Guynes and James “Jimmie” Henry Stoeppleman. He graduated from Highlands High School in San Antonio in 1971. He then fulfilled a dream, serving four years in the United States Air Force. After returning home from the military, he went to work at Montgomery Ward in Beaumont where he met his wife, Judy Kay Menge. They married November 18, 1977. Next, came a daughter, Suzanne Kay, born January 7, 1980, who Jerry absolutely adored. He never missed a dance recital or any activities and always had camcorder in hand with a big smile on his face as a proud dad. Jerry worked for Hamilton Lumber and trained new employees. This was due to his great personality and his ability to teach others with patience.
In 1985, he suffered a brain hemorrhage and God performed a miracle and spared his life for twenty-five more years. Jerry and Judy were so very thankful for each and every day that they had after that. After that experience, Judy realized how much more amazing he was. Along with God’s guidance, he worked hard to get better and live his life.
In 2000, Jerry and Judy had a prayer answered and moved to Branson, Missouri. He went to work for Moe Bandy and said that it was the best job he ever had. The past five years, Jerry and Judy had a new experience, being caretaker for their moms. They did this as a team, just like they did many other things in life. One of the most recent blessings was walking his daughter down the aisle two years ago.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Suzanne Shaaban and her husband Kareem of The Woodlands; mother, Mittie Stoeppleman; brother, James Stoeppleman and his wife Suzanne of Kountze; mother-in-law, Evelyn Menge; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Connie Collins and her husband Gary of Nederland, Lynda Menge of Houston, and Kim Morvent of Houston; nieces and nephews, Cody and Corey Phelps, Zach and Tyler Slaydon, and Jessica Schneider, also, Lea and Billy Slaydon (Jerry’s adopted sister) and their best friends who he loved dearly.
Jerry would want to be remembered as a man who loved God and loved his country. He had a deep love for his family. He always made everyone around him laugh and that’s what drew him to Judy thirty-two years ago. He was a Christian and loved the Lord. One of his last post on facebook was, “When HE was on the cross, I was on HIS mind”.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Jimmie Stoeppleman.
His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 1, 2010, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with burial to follow at William Hart Cemetery in Kountze. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 31, 2010, at Broussard’s.
Memorial contributions may be made to Southeast Texas Veterans Group, P.O. Box 12352, Beaumont, Texas 77726.
