On Sunday morning, January 24, 2021, Jerry Lee Carlman knocked on Heaven's gate and joyfully entered. Jerry came into this world on April 27, 1941, in Great Bend, Kansas to Emmett and Helen Carlman. His very young years were spent in Douglas, Kansas and after the WWII the family moved with the oil industry to West Texas.   There, Jerry and his brother were able to experience the great outdoors by exploring and hiking the oil fields especially in the Midway Lane area. Jerry attended school in Barnhart, Big Lake, Odessa and graduating from El Dorado High School. Jerry also attended Angelo State University; then finished his psychology degree in Denton at North Texas State College (which is currently University of North Texas).

In 1963, Jerry took a break from his college days in Denton to spend some time in the Navy. He was a Test Administrator stationed at Norfolk, Virginia.

Jerry's sense of adventure rewarded him and his first wife, Susan Page, with a two-year commitment in the Peace Corp serving in Liberia. He had fond memories of the tenure there as a "Teacher" which was his title according to the locals. From Liberia to Houston for a few years, finally settling in Austin where he was employed by the University of Texas in the property management department. Jerry sought more gainful employment at South Western Bell, was hired and retired in 2020 after 20 years with the company.

Jerry and Mary met while working for Southwestern Bell in Austin. They married October 28, 1989, and spent 31 wonderful years together. Those years included great vacations, fun times, sad times, discussions rather than arguments.

Jerry will be remembered by those that knew him as a kind gentleman with a ready smile – always willing to help his fellow man. His passion was service, serving the Lord, serving as Elder at his church, and serving his friends by taking them to doctor appointments. It is said that "every act of kindness and compassion done by any man for his fellow Christian is done by Christ working within him." No truer words could be said about Jerry.

Jerry's faith was ever so strong. His Bible is a wealth of scripture notes, sermon notes, special daily devotionals, circled verses and writings in the margins.   A book well loved.

Jerry also loved collecting and repairing antique clocks; he even serviced and maintained the Mason Courthouse clock for several years. Jerry was known around Mason in the summertime for growing and giving away his excellent homegrown tomatoes.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Emmett Lester and Helen Lee Carlman, nephew, Elliot Carlman, and brother-in-laws, James Bohn and Richard Silhavy.

He is survived by his loving wife Mary, children: Kimberly Browne, of Katy, Texas, Matthew and wife, Vickie, Browne, of Wichita Falls, Texas. Grandchildren include: Abigail and Caleb Roberts of Katy, Texas plus Demetri and Madison Browne of Wichita Falls. Also, a brother, Terry and wife, Sandy Carlman, and sister, Kathy Bohn all of Austin, his niece, Erin, and husband, Andrew Oliver of Rockport and their two daughters, Finley and Eloise. Niece, Tessa, her husband, Don, and their daughters, Kayla and Avery of McAllen.

Services will be held with covid compliance on Friday, February 5, 2:00 PM at River of Life Church. The church will provide a Livestream of the service on their Facebook page. Interment will follow in Gooch Cemetery with military honors.

Jerry had a heart for the mission field. Our family request that in lieu of flowers, donations honoring Jerry be made to River of Life Church earmarked for Missions.

Jerry's Favorite Bible Verse: "For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." 1 John 3:11

Condolences may be sent to the family on-line at masonfuneralhome.net.