Jerry Leatherman (Floydada)
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 Bealls 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. Jerry and Martha’s love never wavered through every long haul and late night spent apart. 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 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 his grandchildren and 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.
Jerry, an active member of the First Baptist Church, 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, proclaiming, “Yes.” He will be missed more than words can describe.
Jerry was preceded in death by their parents, Clarence Melvin Leatherman and Pernie Elizabeth Donathan of Floydada; their 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 & Dee Leatherman, Stacy & Mike Reeves, and Ludustia & Jeff Prisk, all of Floydada; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Justin & Jena Reeves of Wolfforth, Austin Long of Midland, Marla, Josh, Kaden & Isla Tillery of Hillsboro, Lindsey, Chad, Kipton & Kaitlyn Schaertl of Wall, Jennifer, Zach, Braelynn & Laithen Emert of Floydada, RJ, Nicole, Chris, Raymond & Lilly Prisk of Terrell, Jessica, Seth, Waverly & Grayson McCandless of Amarillo, Emily & Ethan Griffith of Amarillo, and Dusty Prisk of Floydada; siblings, Royce & Kathy Leatherman of Garner, Joyce & Ted Anderson of Floydada, Ricky & Martha Leatherman of New Braunfels; sister-in-law, Loretta Leatherman of Floydada; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Moore-Rose Funeral Home in Floydada, 329 W California St, on Tuesday, May 28th from 5:00-7:00pm. The funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Floydada, 401 S Main St, on Wednesday, May 29th at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Floydada for Operation Christmas Child.
