Jerry R. Phelps , 65, of Center, Texas passed away Sunday, September 25, 2016, in Longview, Texas.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 29, 2016, at First United Methodist Church in Center, Texas with Rev. Karen Jones officiating. His funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Crowder Funeral Home in Dickinson, Texas with Ron Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Galveston County Memorial Cemetery in Hitchcock, Texas.

Mr. Phelps was born September 15, 1951, in Sweetwater, Texas to Burnis Nathan (Cotton) Phelps and Pearly Katherine Roberts Phelps. He was a resident of La Marque, Texas for 28 years and graduated as a La Marque Tiger in 1969. He attended Sam Houston State University and served in the United States Marine Corps and was a member of the La Marque Jaycees.

He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Center, Texas were he resided for 37 years. He had three careers including the petrochemical business with Amoco Oil, the poultry industry with Holly Farms and 22 years as an independent Borden Dairy Distributor. Mr. Phelps was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed duck hunting and fishing. He was a founding member of Shelby County Ducks Unlimited.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Pam Phelps of Center.

Daughter: Valerie Ogle and husband, Tommy, of Longview

Son: Nathan Phelps and wife, Amber, of Center

Grandchildren:
Maggie and Mollie Kate Ogle
Kiptyn and Baylin Phelps

Brothers-in-laws:
Richard Sutton and wife, Karen, of League City
Russell Sutton and wife, Donna, of Pearland

Cousins, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: Burnis Nathan Phelps and Pearly Katherine Roberts Phelps
Brother: David Phelps

Pallbearers for the funeral service will be Josh Phelps, Mike Pate, Ryan Smith, Jarrett Smith, Cody Bell, Chris Shimek, David Lacey, Caleb Wright, Kameron Decoteau, Jeromy Lawrence and Josh Woods.

Honorary pallbearers are Willie Bill Kirkpatrick, Doyle Bell, Rodger Bell, Richard Sutton, Russell Sutton, Garry Carter, Gary Bell, Dan Hill and all those that shared a hunting blind with him.

Memorials may be made in his name to First United Methodist Church, 211 N. Porter Street, Center, Texas 75935.