Jerry Dean Wellner, of Shady Shores, TX, passed away peacefully in his home on February 26th, 2025. Jerry was born November 27th, 1940, in Oklahoma City to John and Florence Wellner. Jerry was the seventh child out of ten. In 1960 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, proudly serving a combined total of 32 years, retiring as Chief Warrant Officer IV. Jerry went in the service for four years and decided the military might not be for him, so he parted ways and tried his hand at construction. After many years in construction Jerry realized that the military was exactly where he wanted to be, so he re-enlisted. During that time away from the service he met the love of his life Nikki. They met in 1967 dated and married within six months on June 10th and raised a beautiful family over the next 57 years.

While in the service Jerry was stationed in Chicago, Okinawa, and later California where he retired in 1996.  If you thanked Jerry for his military service he would tell you, "Your welcome but I was just doing my job and I was glad to do it". Once he retired, he moved to Texas with his wife and two younger children where he was a stay-at-home dad. Once the younger two had grown, Jerry continued to enjoy retirement with his wife by his side continuing to travel together and making memories with their family.

Jerry was a man of few words, and you didn't depend on him to carry a conversation, but Jerry loved his family fiercely and showed it in many ways. He showed love every day through his dedication to his career, providing and supporting his family, helping others in times of hardship, giving to others when he didn't have to, and through the decisions he made throughout his life. Jerry loved his family but especially his wife and best friend Nikki who he was lucky enough to share 57 years of marriage with. While he battled for his life he always asked, "how's mom?" She was always on the forefront of his mind! He was even able to make one last visit to see her in the hospital while he himself was on hospice. Jerry was a true representation of strength and love that he exemplified through to his final day.

Jerry was survived by his wife and best friend, Nadine Marie Wellner who passed away 26 days later. Children: Pamela Flather and husband Arnold Flather of San Antonio, TX; Anthony Wellner of Hutto, TX; Lynn Hunt and husband Ron Hunt of Orange, CA; Jerry Wellner of Houston, TX; and Candice Wellner of Shady Shores, TX. Grandchildren: Emily Payne, Kyle Wellner, Landon Hunt, Cameron Hunt, Callista Willis-Wellner, and Riley Wellner. Great-grandchild; Olive Luna. Brother John Henry (J.H) Wellner of Oklahoma City, OK and sister Patty Koivisto of Ocala, FL. Many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Florence (Nettie) Wellner; sisters Betty Handke, Wilma Lindberg, and Sharon Larkin; brothers Donald Ray Wellner, Michael Wellner, Jack Wellner, and Charles Wellner. On April 8th, 2025, a Celebration of Life Memorial service honoring Jerry and his wife Nikki will be held at Thousand Hills Church in Hickory Creek, TX at 9:30am. Their ashes will then be transported to the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, TX where an interment with full honors will follow at 1pm.

The family would like to offer our thanks and appreciation to all those who assisted our family during our time of sorrow.