Jerry Gayer

Jerry Eugene Gayer was born to Richard and Ruby Gayer on Easter Sunday April 21, 1935, on their small farm just northwest of Everton, Missouri. 

He passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday December 10, 2024, in Norman, Oklahoma, at the age of 89 years, 6 months and 19 days.

Jerry was raised by his parents on their farm, the oldest of three brothers, in Everton, Missouri, where he graduated high school. 

After graduation he worked on the family farm for a year before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 19. After a 12-month deployment to Thule, Greenland, Jerry was transferred to Altus, Oklahoma, in November 1955. Three months later in February 1956, Jerry met the love of his life Melba “Gay” Heavener.

Jerry and Gay were married on June 9, 1956. About two years later, they learned they were pregnant with their first child, Sharon, who was born March 10, 1959. Jerry remained in the Air Force until he was discharged in March 1962, as a Staff Sergeant. About that same time, Jerry and Gay learned they would be having their second child, Brian, born November 27, 1962.

After leaving the service, Jerry went into sales for Standard Oil Co., W.R. Grace, Gulf Oil Corp., and the Williams Companies. He continued to work in sales until 1975, when he and Gay opened Gayer’s Western Wear in Weatherford, Oklahoma. 

Jerry and Gay worked side by side every day and turned Gayer’s Western Wear into a thriving business while raising their two children. In 1991, they sold the business to their son, so they could spend more time traveling and with their two grandchildren, Cody and Krystal.

Aside from the time he spent with his family, Jerry enjoyed fishing and traveling with his wife. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and to many, a devoted and loyal friend.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Sharon Gayer, two grandchildren Cody Gayer and Krystal Gayer, and three great-grandchildren Braylon Gayer, Victoria Gayer, and Kobi Glover.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Gay Gayer; son, Brian Gayer; brothers Wayne and Melvin Gayer; and parents Richard and Ruby Gayer.

Funeral services were held Friday, December 13, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Interment occurred at Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Services were under the care and direction of Lockstone Funeral Home, Weatherford, Oklahoma.