Port Isabel , TX - Jerry Lee Deckard, 76 of Port Isabel was born on April 24, 1932 in Litchfield , IL to Thomas Elder Deckard and Flossie Elaine Beck. He departed this life on January 16, 2009 at 11:21 A.M. after a long illness. He was educated in Herrick , IL . He married Charlotte May Sherwood in St. Louis , MO on February 5, 1950. Seven children were born to this union. He was an active member of the Army Air Corps 71st Fighter Wing of the State of Missouri from 1950 to 1953 when he was honorably discharged. He and his family have been long time residents of Port Isabel, TX. He worked for many years in the shrimping industry. Later, he became a professional long-haul truck driver. In recent times he developed and maintained his small engine repair business. He was a son, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a brother and a friend. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Elder Deckard and Flossie Elaine Beck Deckard; his brother, Norman Eugene Deckard, his sister, Barbara Ann Deckard, and a great grandson, Brandon David Martinez. He leaves to mourn his passing, his devoted wife of nearly 59 years, Charlotte May Deckard; his daughters, Carol Ann (Kenneth) Denman of Marysville, OH; Terry Jean (Clarence) Alberts of San Antonio, TX; and Brenda Jo Villarreal of Port Isabel, TX; his sons, Michael Lee (Belinda) Deckard of Fountain, CO; Thomas Ray (Rosa) Deckard of Los Fresnos, TX; Russell Lynn Deckard of Anchorage, AK; and James Frank (Susana) Deckard of Port Isabel, TX; 24 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren; 2 half brothers, Thomas Deckard, Jr. and William "Bill" Deckard; 2 half sisters, Marilyn Foreman and Dorothy Heindal all of Rogue River, OR; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends and neighbors. Visitations will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2009 from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito . Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito with Son-in-law Clarence Alberts officiating and Pastor Steven Hyde performing the eulogy. Interment will follow to Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito . Military Honors will be conducted at graveside by the American Legion Post 205 of Harlingen, Texas. Pallbearers will be Placido Martinez III, Eddie Villarreal II, William Deckard, Clarence Alberts II, Thomas Deckard II, Laurence Alberts and James Deckard, Jr.; Honorary pallbearers will be Russell Deckard, Jr., Richard Deckard, Dolores Deckard, Terra Lovin, Joshua Alberts and Edward P. Martinez. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the many expressions of concern and condolences shown during the lengthy illness of Jerry Deckard and during our time of bereavement. A Special Thanks is extended to the doctors and staff at Brownsville Nursing and Rehab Center , Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville, Solara Hospital and Rehab of Brownsville, Valley Regional Medical Center-Brownsville, Dr. Lorenzo Pelly, Dr. Jamil Madi and Dr. Daniel Malasko. Words of comfort can be sent to the family of Jerry Lee Deckard at www.thomaegarza.com Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito , TX (956) 399-1331.