Jerry Preas

Jerry Lee Preas, 91 years of Midland, passed away on Monday, January 24, 2022.

Services and interment will be conducted at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas, on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 11:00 am.

Jerry was born on December 27, 1930 in Coleman, Texas to Ila Bea and Roy Creston Preas.

Jerry attended school in Coleman and then joined the Marines in 1951 to serve his Beloved Nation. He served in Korea as a Sergeant and Machine Gun Unit Leader. He earned a United Nations Service medal, Purple Heart medal and a National Defense medal for his service. Jerry was a practical realist and has been a farmer, mechanic, teacher, reporter and journal editor. He served the International Lions Club and had International Youth exchange students from all over the world from 1972 – 2019.

He was a self-taught typist, guitar player and music reader. He wrote a couple of books and researched his family history and collected oral stories of the family. Jerry was also a published poet “Transitional Texas – 1969”  which was a tribute by invitation for the Texas sesquicentennial.

Jerry graduated from the University of Houston with a BS in Industrial Education, an MA in secondary education from Arizona State University with majors in Industrial Education, Philosophy and a minor in Psychology

Jerry married his traveling partner Metta West, June 22, 1957.

They have been married 64 years and have traveled to every state in the Union. They would just grab some snacks and hit the road for parts unknown and always returned with stories of adventures.

Jerry is survived by Metta Preas, his daughter Regena Collier and husband James Collier. Grandchildren William Ethan Wolters and Madeleine Elise Johnston. Bonus Granddaughters Samatha Totty, Amy Racy and Patricia Parrent and 7 great grand children.

Jerry is also survived by 3 sisters, 3 brothers and a long lineage of nieces, nephews and a large extended family. Jerry also leaves his special “Lady”; a beautiful quarter horse who gave endless hours of companionship.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Visiting Angels of Midland with special love to Ebony Hall and Ayomide Oki. These caring women made Jerry’s end journey comfortable and filled with love.

Our gratitude is also extended to Hospice caregivers Kendra and Nicole for their beautiful gift of love and support.

In Lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com

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