Jerry Lee Funk

Jerry Lee Funk, 74, of San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 8th, 2017 at his home in San Antonio surrounded by his family and loved ones. Born in Harlingen, Texas to Jack and Loyce Funk, he lived most of his life in Harlingen.

Jerry was born on August 1, 1942 the younger of two brothers. He spent his youth in Harlingen and Lyford before leaving the valley in 1958 to attend the Texas Military Institute (TMI) in San Antonio, Texas where he graduated in 1960. After TMI, Jerry attended and graduated from North Texas State University (NTSU) in Denton, Texas.

He married Sandra Jo Smith in 1963 and moved to Raymondville, Texas. They had two sons, Jack Lee and Charles Mark. He and his brother, Tommy Funk, founded Funk Farms, a successful farming operation. Subsequently, Jerry started J&S Farms and also served as managing partner in the Sebastian Cotton and Grain Ginning Operation in Sebastian, Texas.

After his wife, Sandra Jo's death in 1990, Jerry established the Sandra Jo Funk Hospice program at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen.

In 1994, Jerry married Kristine Henggeler Carter from Harlingen. They lived in Harlingen until 2010 when they moved to San Antonio. They divided their time between their home in San Antonio and their ranch in South Texas.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Loyce Funk and his first wife, Sandra Jo Funk. He is survived by his wife, Kristine; sons, Jack Lee (Elizabeth), Charles Mark (Julia); daughter, Kendra Carter (Richard); brother, Tommy Ralph Funk and five grandchildren, Mark Jr., Sandra, James, Mary and Danny. He is also survived by a nephew, Tommy Funk, Jr. and a niece Paige Matlock.

Jerry had a boundless zest for life and enjoyed traveling the world. He had a keen wit and an incredible sense of humor. His fun personality drew friends like a magnet. Everyone always enjoyed being around him. Most who knew Jerry loved him. He leaves a giant void in the hearts of his family and dear friends. He will be deeply missed.

Besides his Lord, his 3 greatest loves were his first wife, Sandra Jo, his second wife, Kristine and his beloved ranch along the banks of the Arroyo Colorado in South Texas.

Honorary pallbearers are John Wallis Harris, Tommy R. Funk, Robert Warrington, Wesley Warrington, Pat Leimon, Laurence Justice, Tommy Dismukes, Barry Putegnat, Lee Russell, Trevor Perdue, and Kendall Hocott.

The family would like to express their profound gratitude to VITAS Hospice nurses and staff for their support and compassionate care for Jerry.

Memorial Celebration Of Life Saturday, March 18, 2017 1:00 P.M. Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home 710 Ed Carey Drive Harlingen, TX 78550.

Memorial contributions may be made to VITAS Innovative Hospice, 5430 Fredericksburg Rd. Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78229 or to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105