Gerald (Jerry) Roger Deal passed away on Jan. 9, 2019 in Austin, TX. He was 86.
Born in Broken Bow, NE Oct. 22, 1932, Jerry was raised in Lincoln, where he began his newspaper career in high school as a sports reporter for the Lincoln Journal.
During the Korean War, he served on active and inactive duty with the Naval Air Corps.
An award-winning journalist who started his career in 1955, Jerry characterized the stereotypical hard-nosed newsman who learned the trade in the days of hot type and manual typewriters.
Since 1959, Jerry worked in South Texas journalism, covering many of the region’s biggest stories as an investigative reporter and editor.
By 1960, he was working as a reporter for the Valley Morning Star in Harlingen, TX.
Between 1961-1964 and 1969-1981, Jerry worked for the San Antonio Express-News, where he covered police and city hall before working as an investigative reporter and night city editor.
During Christmastime he was involved with Operation Noel which he created in the 70s, that helped hundreds of poor children.
In 1988, Jerry came to the Star for the second time, taking a job as assistant city editor and then in 1997, he became the Star’s chief editor, guiding the newspaper to several awards.
Jerry loved news and he loved to write about the people who made it happen. He met and interviewed hundreds of well-known faces over the years. Many who were actors, musicians, and public officials including 6 presidents. One memorable experience was spending two weeks on country singer Willie Nelson’s tour bus which he later wrote about.
Known for his blunt journalism and hard-hitting investigating, he was admired by many and made a few enemies along the way – most of them corrupt government officials that he exposed.
Authoring 3 books, one autobiography and 2 children’s books, he had an enormous amount of passion and seldom slowed down in life.
Those who knew him would always consider him a great friend to have and that his positive attitude was contagious. He loved life and the impact he has left behind in the lives of others will always be remembered.
Married three times and with eight children he is survived by:
Jerry A. (Berry), Ventura, CA, James (Debbie), Phoenix, AZ, Joel (Michelle), San Antonio, TX, Julie (Alan)Vangroll, Killeen, TX, Jay (Darla), Round Rock, TX, Denee (Robert) Ibert, Katy, TX. Many Grand Children, Great Grand Children and Great Great Grandchildren.
Proceeded in death by his wife Patricia Benoist, Father Harry, Mother Helen, Sons, Jeffrey and Jonathan and Granddaughter, Sarah Kyle.
Memorial services and life celebration will be open to the public on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 11 a.m. at Los Angeles Funeral Home 300 Cheatham St, San Marcos, TX 78666.
Immediately following will be a gathering at his favorite hangout just down the street — The Railyard 116 S Edward Gary St, San Marcos, TX.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter.
