JEFF MADISON PERRY

Our community lost a dear one Wednesday, October 10, 2001, when the Lord called Jeff Madison Perry home. Jeff, 91, died after a short illness in the early morning at Hamilton General Hospital surrounded by his family.
A memorial service was held Friday, October 12, 2001, at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin McDonald, Brad Davis and David Lengefeld officiating. Jeff requested his cremains be buried at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Hamilton.

Jeff Madison Perry was born in Hamilton County, Texas, on August 12, 1910, the first born child of George Madison Perry and Lillie Carl Dunn Perry. He lived most of his life in Hamilton and Hamilton County.

He was a graduate of Baylor University and did post graduate work at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, a Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of the Eastern Star.

Jeff is remembered for the many hats he wore which included military man, pie baker, cook, rancher, teacher, friend, banker, husband, father, granddaddy, and Christian.

Jeff served his country four years in the United States Army, as a Captain in the Transportation Corps, and was a veteran of World War II. He went on to live the life of a rancher when he bought his first piece of land in 1947
and served as Vice-President of the Perry National Bank for 25 years. Jeff considered himself a life long member of the First Baptist Church in Hamilton having been a member for over 65 years and served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher for over 50 years. In 1966 he was honored by the
Hamilton Ministerial Alliance as Churchman of the Year.

Jeff was preceded in death by his wife Lura Bernice Crain of 49 years. Survivors include his wife of 16 years Jewel Katherine Perry; his son, James Harold Perry and wife Sharon L. Perry; six step children Sheliah Oscher and husband Irwin, and Gene Grimland and wife Sandra, Charles Parker and wife Vireta, Jan Idy , Evelyn Montgomery of Louisiana, and Guy and Latricia Parker. Two granddaughters Lori Cross and husband Allen Cross  and Amber Perry of Conroe; along with ten step grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren Kenzie, Brennan, and Riley Cross and 2 step great-grandchildren; brother Alven Perry of Hamilton; and two sisters, Cleo Osterman and Katherine Arnold of Hamilton; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.