Gerald "Jerry" Dwain Wilcher

Gerald “Jerry” Dwain Wilcher, of Palestine, Texas, was called home by his loving Lord and Savior on Saturday, the 21st Day of October 2023.  He passed away peacefully at home with his devoted wife and loving family by his side at the age of 89.  Mr. Wilcher was born on the 15th day of July 1934, in Tira, Texas, to his parents James Albert Wilcher and Lucille Horn Wilcher.

Born with an adventurous spirit, Mr. Wilcher embarked on a distinguished 30-year career in the United States Navy, bravely serving his country in Korea and Vietnam. His intelligence and bravery were evident in his service, earning him respect and admiration from his comrades and superiors alike. Following his military service, Mr. Wilcher continued to demonstrate his dedication to his country as an active member of the Texas Top Guns.

His work ethic did not cease upon his retirement from the Navy. Mr. Wilcher transitioned into a successful career as an auto mechanic, utilizing his handy nature to fix and improve automobiles. His love for mechanics was not limited to automobiles. He was a self-taught woodworker and leatherworker, often gifting his beautiful, handcrafted pieces to friends and family.

Mr. Wilcher was a man of faith, a devoted Christian, and an active member of the Crockett Road Church of Christ. His faith was instrumental in his life, guiding his actions and decisions. His commitment to his faith was evident in the way he lived his life, always striving to live by the principles of love, kindness, and generosity.

Among his many interests, Mr. Wilcher was an avid gun collector, a hobby that was an extension of his military service. His interests were not limited to physical pursuits. He was a voracious reader, often found with an encyclopedia in his hands, always eager to learn and expand his understanding of the world. His intelligence was undeniable, yet he remained humble, always willing to share his knowledge with others.

Mr. Wilcher will be remembered not just for his accomplishments, but for the man he was - a loving husband, a devoted father, a brave serviceman, a faithful Christian, and a friend to many. His life was a testament to his character - strong, loving, and generous. His memory will continue to inspire and guide those who knew him. His life was a journey of love and service, and he will be dearly missed.

Mr. Wilcher was preceded in death by his parents James and Lucille Wilcher, and his two sisters, Shirley Rogers and Sandra Ellison.

His contagious spirit and love will forever be remembered by his beloved wife of 50 years, Dianne Wilcher, and their six loving children, Janet Garcia and husband Ed, of Vernon, Texas, Wendell Wilcher and wife Hollie, of Blackfoot, Texas, Alan Wilcher, of Palestine, Texas, Paul Wilcher and wife Dee, of Palestine, Texas, Teresa Burns and husband Robert, of Emory, Texas, and Pamela Brown and husband John of Malakoff, Texas. He also leaves behind his brother, James “Ralph” Wilcher and wife Jewel, of Bois D’Arc, Texas; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren with one-on-the-way. His family was his pride and joy, and he loved them dearly. His unconditional love and wisdom will continue to guide them including his numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 30th day of October 2023 at Rhone Funeral Home.

Funeral services to celebrate Mr. Wilcher’s life are to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning, on Tuesday the 31st day of October 2023 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Dan Manuel officiating the service. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Liberty Cemetery.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be the Texas Top Guns.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorials in memory of Mr. Wilcher can be directed towards Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306 or www.T2T.org.

Funeral services for Gerald “Jerry” Dwain Wilcher are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.

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