Jerry Lee Oliver, 81, of Coldspring, Texas, was born Feb. 14, 1943 in Middletown, Ohio, and passed away Sept. 14, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lyle Oliver and Juanita (Hughes) Oliver; and brother, Keith Oliver.
Jerry passed away at home, surrounded by family, from complications of a stroke. Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Jerry was a member of Cleveland Fire Department for 28 years. After moving to Jerry’s dream home by the lake, Jerry joined the Cape Area Fire Department Search and Rescue.
While Jerry was with the Cleveland Fire Department, he met his wife Donna, who was a medic with the City of Cleveland EMS. Once Jerry convinced Donna to go on a date, the rest was a beautiful love story. Jerry and Donna were married 24 truly joyful years, of the deepest love, happiest marriage and truest partnership imaginable.
Jerry and Donna moved to Cape Royale by the lake. Jerry always said he didn’t need to go away on vacation, because it felt like every day was a vacation. He put a lot more miles on his golf car than his pickup. Jerry enjoyed boating, fishing, and watching the Astros’ games on television. He loved sitting in the backyard and watching the deer pass by. Jerry absolutely loved serving in the fire department for so many years, where he was most in his element, whether it be on a fire scene or mentoring new fire department recruits.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Oliver; daughters, Kimberly Schoppe and husband Darrell, Karen Brown and husband Todd, Kelly Fernandez, and Lola Smith and husband Erik; sister, Kathy Moore and Mike; sister, Susan Rice; brother, Jack Oliver; sisters-in-law, Angie Oliver and Leigh Faulkner and husband Fritz; grandchildren, Alexander Lee Smith, Morgan Morel Joel, Natalie Morel, Brooke Morel, Colton Massey, Tyler Brown, and Kyle Brown; along with numerous nieces, nephew, other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Stroke Foundation, Primary Progressive Aphasia Research, Olive Branch Hospice, and to the Cleveland Fire Department and the Cape Area Fire Department SAR.
Special thanks to Lacy Faulkner for her kindness and love given to Uncle Jerry, whenever needed, to Rayshell Dean for her care and compassion, and to Olive Branch Hospice, we are very grateful and appreciative of the excellent care given to Jerry and the family during his time at home on hospice care.
Services are currently pending.
Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com.
Jerry was a good man who loved and served his communities. My condolences to Donna and his family. Prayers for peace and comfort. 🙏