Jerry Erdman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away in his sleep on May 1st, 2023. Family and friends are invited to come celebrate his life at 10:30 AM Monday, May 8th at Renew Church, 6509 Bosque Blvd, in Waco, TX.
Jerry was born on March 24, 1946 to John and Ann Erdman in Canyon, Texas. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Price College, and graduated from Canyon High school in 1965 after enlisting in the US Military. He served on the USS Cavalier from 1965-1969 during the Vietnam War. Jerry was very proud of his service.
Once home, he became a firefighter for the City of Amarillo and worked as a carpenter on the side. During this time, he met and married his wife of 53 years, Rita Ilene Byars. He continued his military service in the US Reserves for another eight years after retiring from active duty. The Erdmans moved to Waco in 1979 where Jerry sold insurance for the Knights of Columbus and through his devotion became an accredited fourth degree Knight.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Otto and Anna Podzemny, his parents, and his wife.
He is survived by his two children, Kevin and Yvette Erdman; daughter-in-law, Laura Erdman; and four grandchildren, Emily and Ian Erdman, and Elizabeth and Michael Gonzalez. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Myatt and her husband Murray, as well as their daughter, Tee Jay Smith, husband Coy, and children Breuklyn and Taylor McDaniel.
Though Jerry believed work was good for the soul and never wanted to retire, after Rita passed, he did take time to enjoy visiting his sister, Donna, and going pheasant, quail, and deer hunting with his friends and his dog, Copper.
Jerry and Rita were active members of Renew Church and First Methodist Church of Waco. Jerry was a friend to everyone and always willing to help someone in need.
Flowers or donations may be sent to Renew Church in his name.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jerome Donald Erdman, please visit our flower store.