Biar
Jerry Lynn Biar was born Nov. 26, 1948, to Gerhard and Frances Biar.
He would grow up on a farm just outside of Thorndale with his parents and four siblings. Jerry would make Thorndale his home, raising a family that he loved very much.
In his younger years, Jerry liked to race cars, however, that excitement would have to end if he wanted to marry the love of his life, Linda. So, on May 4, 1968, Jerry and Linda were married at First Baptist Church in Thorndale. They would go on to have three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Jerry would take on many jobs to provide for his family. He worked at Floyd’s Glass, IGC, operated the Mobile Gas station in town, KB Greyhounds, and lastly the Thorndale Co-Op.
During his life, Jerry was involved in his church and community. He was a lifelong member of St Paul and would serve on the PTF and as trustee for many years.
He was a member of Thorndale Volunteer Fire Dept for over 50 years and served as president from 1973 to 1994.
He would cook BBQ with friend, Floydy Zuehlke, for the annual cookoff softball tournament a nd helped many years with the “original” Thorndale Little League.
Jerry had many interests. In his younger years he liked to race cars. In his later years, he like to watch Monday Night Football at Rieger Park, poker night at Rock’s or deer hunting with his brother, brothersin- law, nephews, children and grandchildren. Rumor has it he could shoot the tail off a deer while the deer was running.
Jerry loved his family and they loved sports. It didn’t matter what sport, but you knew that if the St Paul Lions or the Thorndale Bulldogs were playing, Jerry’s big blue van would be gassed and ready to go on game day. That big blue van would also double as an “ambulance” twice, transporting his daughter and then his nephew when they were injured during games. Oh, if that van could talk.
Jerry had many names over the years: husband, dad, Pete, Pedro, Peto, Jersey, Lilly the Pope, Uncle and lastly Poppy. Poppy wasn’t a name reserved for his immediate family. It was a name that all came to know him by and a name he treasured most.
For the last two years, Jerry has called Legacy Nursing & Rehabilitation home. He made wonderful friends and considered all of them family. The family would like to thank all the employees for the wonderful care they provided. You will always have a special place in their hearts for the care and love you provided to Poppy.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his parents, Gerhard and Frances Biar; his in-laws, C.C. “Buck” and Alta Raye Caffey; brothers-in-law, Jerry Fisher, Leroy Wuensche and Charles Ray Caffey; and great-nephew Jacob Biar.
Jerry is survived by his children, daughters Rhonda Jordan and husband Craig, Tina Schaefer and husband Scotty, and son Mark Biar; grandchildren, Tyler Jordan and wife Shelbee, Paxton Jordan and wife Shelby, Riley Schaefer, Ashton Schaefer, Skyler Konarsky and husband Dylan, Ryan Biar, and Nathan Biar; great-grandchildren Daylee Jordan, Jessie Konarsky and Henslee Konarsky; sisters Shirley Wuensche, Geraldine Biar and Donna Fisher; brother Billy Biar and wife Lou; sisters-in-law Debbie Leschber and husband Raymond, and Neva Caffey; brother-in-law Edward Caffey and wife Debbie; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Serving as pallbearers were Tyler and Paxton Jordan, Riley and Ashton Schaefer, Dylan Konarsky, Ryan and Nathan Biar.
Honorary pallbearers were Robert Ulicnik and the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Department The family has requested memorials in memory of Mr. Biar be given to the St. Paul Build the Vision Fund, PO Box 369, Thorndale, TX 76577 or the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Department Building Fund, PO Box 430, Thorndale, TX 76577.
“I am the resurrection and the life,” says the Lord. “He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.”
Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, P.O. Drawer 1417, Rockdale, TX 76567, 512-446-5454.