Paul John Gerhard, Jr.

Paul J. Gerhard, Jr., 92, of Edna, Texas passed on to his rest and reward on Saturday, March 25, 2023.  Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Paul was born in Deutschburg, Texas to Paul J. Gerhard, Sr. and Anna Marie Eloge Gerhard on December 24, 1930.  He was the only son with six sisters.  Paul often told stories of growing up in the country milking cows, cutting and baling hay with his dad, and fishing from his jon boat.  After graduating from Palacios High School, Paul was employed by Alcoa Aluminum.  With the outbreak of the Korean War, Paul made the decision to serve his country and enlisted in the US Air Force, where he was assigned to a B52 Squadron traveling as far as North Africa.  When he finally made it home from his tour, Paul said he "got off the plane and kissed the ground."  After his discharge from the Air Force, Paul attended Texas A&I in Kingsville and the University of Houston. He frequently hitch-hiked back home to Deutschberg to visit family.

Paul was blessed with three children; Laura and her husband Kenneth, Karen and her husband Bob, son Gary, and his daughter-in-law, Julie.  He enjoyed spending time with his five grand children; Nicholas, Marissa, Miranda, Kenny, and Felicia.  He had five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Paul married Frankie Jones on December 26, 1967.  Together, they opened a successful real estate office while living in Houston.  Paul and Frankie were licensed real estate brokers and appraisers.  In 1983, Paul and Frankie built  a beautiful home in Vienna, Texas.  they enjoyed many years of raising cattle, feeding birds and deer, and living the best country life.  they had a faithful dog, DG and several spoiled cats.  Paul and Frankie retired from the real estate business in 1995.  Several years later in 2005, Paul and Frankie made the decision to move and built a home in Edna.  Paul was a faithful member of the Robison Street Church of Christ in Edna.

Paul was kind, caring, helpful, and fun to be around.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.  Paul always enjoyed a homemade meal.  He especially loved it when that meal was followed with dessert.  Paul was vibrant and full of life.  He had a joyful spirit and will be greatly missed. 

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at Slavik Funeral Home Chapel beginning at 1:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 pm.  Interment will be at Deutschburg Community Cemetery.

Services have been entrusted to Russell Todish of Slavik Funeral Home, 209 N. Allen Street, Edna, Texas 77957, 361-782-2152.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul John Gerhard, Jr., please visit our floral store.