"Lit a candle in memory of Jerry Leon Jordan"
In loving memory of
Jerry Leon Jordan
June 18, 1938 - October 9, 2016
Jordan, Jerry Leon
Jerry Leon Jordan passed away after a long battle with cancer on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at Seton Medical Center in Kyle Texas. He was 78 years old.
Jerry leaves behind his wife Aileen Faye (Hampton) Jordan; His daughter Elizabeth Jordan, his son David Jordan, his step-sons; Michael Meli and his wife Amanda, and Brian Meli and his wife Michelle. He will also be missed by his sister Madonna Bridwell and his brother Samuel Jordan, numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.
Jerry was born Saturday, June 18, 1938 in Shattuck, Oklahoma to Roy Leon and Helen Elizabeth (Ishmael) Jordan.. Jerry graduated from Lefors High School in Lefors Texas and immediately went to West Texas State University in Canyon Texas to further his education. He attended for three semesters before joining the U.S. Airforce on May 1, 1958. Jerry's military career was extensive; retiring the first time in 1980 as Master Sergeant with the U.S. Air Force. Jerry later enlisted in the Texas Air National Guard, retiring in 2010 as Lt. Colonel. Throughout his military career, he was awarded multiple Adjutant General Awards. In 1961 he married Nancy Carolyn Walter and together raised their children. He later divorced and married Aileen Faye Hampton with whom he spent the next thirty eight years. Following retirement from the Airforce, He and Aileen moved to San Marcos for her career. There he attended Southwest Texas State University, graduating in May of 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement. As a student at Southwest Texas University he was able to work as a teachers assistant, teaching and investigation lab for 1 years. He finished his degree in 5 semesters, making the Honor Roll 4 times.
In October of 1982, Jerry went to work at the University of Texas Police Department, fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a police officer. While with the department he spent fourteen years as a Field Training Officer during which he received two University Police Department Service Awards and was recognized by the Knebel Veteran Post #83 for his work in crime prevention and dedicated performance to the U.T. community. He retired from the U.T. Police Department in September of 2000. Jerry credited his continued education to his loving wife Aileen and his mother. Jerry followed his fathers footsteps and became a Master Mason, and followed his father-in-law, Mike Hampton becoming a 32 degree Master Mason and a Shriner. Jerry loved hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.
Friends and family are invited time a time of visitation on Monday, October 17th from 4-8pm at Harrell Funeral Home; address 1715 Kirby Lane, Kyle, TX 78640. Funeral services will follow on Tuesday, October 18th, starting at 10:30am in the chapel at Harrell Funeral Home, with reception, snacks/drinks after service. Police escort will lead the procession at 12:45 to Fort San Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX with graveside services starting at 1:45pm."
Donations may be made in Jerrys memory to the Shriners Hospitals www.support.shrinershospitals.org or the childrens programs at Connections Church at 1235 S. Loop 4 , Buda TX 78610
Friends and family are invited to leave a fond memory or condolence to his family on Jerrys Online Memorial site at www.Harrell funeralhomes.com
Tributes
"We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief. The Bible urges us to pray regularly continually, thanking God for his goodness to us and looking to him for guidance, comfort, and strength. 1 Th. 5:17. We send you thoughts of comfort and the hope of one day seeing your loved one again"
"J.J. I know you are just laughing your pants off watching me try to write on your tribute wall! I keep losing everything I type. Ugh! J.J. you were an OUTSTANDING officer and leader. We will miss you greatly! Rest in Peace Airman. You done good!!! Brigadier General Bob Cheeseman"
"Lt Colonel Jordan was instrumental in the establishment and success of the Air Component, Texas State Guard. Over the years a small detachment grew to two Air Wings covering the state of Texas. This unit provided direct support to the Texas Air National Guard during Operations in the Middle East."
"JJ was my Vice Commander at the 449th ASG, TXSG in San Antonio. A finer man there is not! JJ's word was his bond, a hand shake was his seal on the deal, truley a Masons Bond. We had many great hours visiting this past Spring while JJ was rehabilitating. Oh the stories of military life and adventures we'd share and of brotherhood of the Masonic Fraternity. I brought my Australian Shepherd in for a visit one day and JJ was so pleased, that BIGGER than life smile for his visit with Aiden. I will treasure that time we had together. May you rest in the loving arms of Jesus JJ. You fought the good fight, Thanks for the friendship and your service. Bob Fiore"
"I 'm very sorry for your loss. My condolences to the family. :pray:"
"I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"LtCol Jordan and I met through the Texas State Guard while assigned to the 449th ASG at Lackland AFB. My first deployment with him was during hurricane Katrina, and I never deployed without him again, he'd call me to tell me he was deploying and I'd immediately volunteer to go also. I remember during Katrina he took me aside and told me TSgt make it work, if you need me I'll be right here. I don't want to fail. Guess I made it work, because he called on me for every deployment after that. During the border missions, not only did he make sure I was able to attend both my daughters and my son's graduation, he attended with me. My family and I loved him as our family. He always told me "Chief some day I'm going to see you as Command Chief of the Air Wing". When I finally made it I stopped in Kyle at the IHOP (he's favorite place to eat migas) and he was so proud, I can still hear him, "golly, I told you you'd be here some day, see I was right". We'd always stop in Kyle on the way to Austin to see the Colonel. See you soon my friend. Defender assume your post."
"J.J. and I served in the Texas State Guard together and he was a good friend, mentor and leader. My favorite story was one day at HQ drill I went outside and he was washing windows. He was a Lt Col at the time and I said to him "Sir you are an officer and not supposed to be doing that" He replied that it needed doing so he went ahead. That's the kind of man he was, always ready to step up and get the job done, no matter what. He will be sorely missed."
"JJ meant so much to Larry and I. He was a loving friend and an incredibly giving person. He and Aileen were in our Wedding and I still can picture him standing there, all dapper in his tuxedo!! Love, thoughts and Prayers to the family, especially Aileen. Rest in Peace JJ.....you leave us all with beautiful memories to carry with us forever"
"I want to thank everyone who has called already to express their condolences. My only request: If you are wanting to order flowers for the funeral, please order flower or living plant arrangements in red/white/blue color scheme in honor of his lifetime service with the Air Force & Reserves. On behalf of all of the family, thank you for your kind words, memories, and stories."
"I met JJ at Ut. I worked in the main bldg in the cashiers office. He was a good friend for many years. My husband and I were in a wedding with him and Aileen in 1985! Will miss him! My thoughts and prayers are with Aileen and family."