Jerry Don Leatherman spent his last days at home surrounded by a multitude of friends and family until he peacefully took his last breath on the morning of May 25, 2024.
Born June 19, 1940 in Floydada, Texas, to parents Clarence Melvin Leatherman and Pernie Elizabeth Donathan, Jerry spent nearly his entire childhood in Floydada. He and his family lived in Mineral Wells for five years before returning to Floydada in 1957, just in time for Jerry’s senior year of high school.
The stars aligned when Jerry met Martha Sue Anderson in their shared typing class. In a classic tale of love at first sight, the pair were quickly head over heels in love and married shortly after graduating, on July 30, 1958.
Having previously worked at Beall’s Department Store and Powell’s Grocery, Jerry joined his father’s business, Leatherman & Son Trucking, in 1962, where he was given the CB handle “King Pin.” He retired in 2002. Through every long haul and late night spent apart, Jerry and Martha’s love never wavered. They raised three children together, Stacy, John, and Ludustia, who can’t remember their parents ever crossing words.
After becoming a grandparent, Jerry earned another special nickname, Bydaddy. Upon concluding a family visit, Jerry’s children were offering their farewells when Justin, the first grandchild, followed suit and loudly shouted, “Bye, Daddy!” This was met with a roar of laughter, and the repeated inside joke soon became a lasting term of endearment. Throughout his life, Jerry was Bydaddy to not only his grandchildren, but to many others throughout the community. He treated everyone he met with love and kindness and was met with great admiration in return. He was also known for his quick wit and ornery smile.
Jerry enjoyed a good word search puzzle, and his hobbies included traveling with Martha in their travel trailer, hunting, fishing, and four-wheeling—often at the family land in Mineral Wells—and woodworking. He saw potential when others just saw scraps, and he would literally turn trash into treasures. He especially loved to craft crosses and give them away to loved ones and strangers alike.
An active member of the First Baptist Church, Jerry helped with many activities, including Kids Kamp and fall festivals. Jerry lived each day as a shining example of a true man of God. He was full of joy and deeply caring. During his last days at home, Jerry asked Martha to sing hymns to him. As she sang the line, “Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?,” Jerry nodded his head, proclaiming, “Yes.” He will be missed more than words can describe.
Jerry was preceded in death by parents, Clarence Melvin Leatherman and Pernie Elizabeth Donathan of Floydada; brother, C.E. Leatherman of Floydada; and great-granddaughter, Peyton Reeves of Wolfforth.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Martha Sue Anderson Leatherman; children John and Dee Leatherman, Stacy and Mike Reeves, and Ludustia and Jeff Prisk, all of Floydada, grandchildren and great-grandchildren Justin and Jena Reeves of Wolfforth, Austin Long of Midland, Marla, Josh, Kaden and Isla Tillery of Hillsboro, Lindsey, Chad, Kipton and Kaitlyn Schaertl of Wall, Jennifer, Zach, Braelynn and Laithen Emert of Floydada, RJ, Nicole, Chris, Raymond and Lilly Prisk of Terrell;, Jessica, Seth, Waverly and Grayson McCandless of Amarillo; Emily and Ethan Griffith of Amarillo, and Dusty Prisk of Floydada; siblings Royce and Kathy Leatherman of Garner, Joyce and Ted Anderson of Floydada, and Ricky and Martha Leatherman of New Braunfels; sister-in-law, Loretta Leatherman of Floydada; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A visitation was held at Moore-Rose Funeral Home in Floydada on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The funeral service is to be held at at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Floydada.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Floydada for Operation Christmas Child.