Jerry Moritz of Midland passed away on Sunday August 1st. He was born on May 7th in Rushville, NE, to Irv and Gail Moritz, and grew up in Alliance, NE, where he played multiple sports and developed a love for the outdoors. He later graduated from University of Tulsa with a degree in Petroleum Engineering and married the love of his life, Johnnie Peters. Jerry and Johnnie moved to Hobbs, NM, where began his professional journey as an engineer with Skelly Oil. A few years later they moved to Midland, where Jerry worked for Texas Pacific and BTA before striking out on his own with several Independent production companies. Along the way they raised two incredible daughters, Carla and Kimberley.
Jerry’s passion and hobbies were many over the years. He loved being outdoors and was active in biking, tennis, scuba diving and fly fishing. He also had a creative side, which led him to painting, stained glass and wood working.
He was an avid reader and storyteller and loved to entertain his children and grandchildren with stories from his youth. The stories were many, and filled with adventure and humor, always with the aim of passing on the wisdom he had gained over the years.
He is preceded in death by his late wife, Johnnie Moritz. He is survived by his sister Karen McGuire, his daughters Carla Costello, Kimberley Bartos and husband John Bartos, grandkids Rebecca Pike, Alison Gibson, Mark Bartos and Kenner Bartos, and great grandchildren Kaleigh Callahan, Katie Jones, Bryan Gibson and great granddaughter Dallas Gibson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Boys Ranch, 600 SW 11th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101. Family was especially important to Jerry, and he felt this organization gave children the family they were otherwise denied.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
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