Gerald Dallas Cherry, 86, of Donna, Texas, died Oct. 22, 2024, at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, Texas. Mr. Cherry attended Cuba High School in Graves County, Ky., where he was a member of the basketball team. In 1957, he moved to St. Louis to work for Missouri Pacific Railroad which later merged with Union Pacific Railroad, where he worked until he retired as general foreman of the De Soto car shops. Once in St. Louis, he married Sharon Miller and they had two children, Kimberly Michelle and Kevin Dallas, with whom he spent many Friday evenings roller-skating. He and Sharon were married for 10 years before divorcing. Mr. Cherry was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons since 1964 and achieved his 32nd degree Scottish Rite Free Mason. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and the Eagles. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and ski boats and listening to CB radios and watching car races, frequenting stock car racetracks and NASCAR races all over the country. One of his favorite drivers was Kyle Larson. Mr. Cherry also took a special interest in his own cars and traded cars throughout his life. Later, he enjoyed being “Winter Texans” with his second wife, Marylin, whom he met in 1955 in Topeka, Kan. Together, they visited the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, the Redwood forests and many other sights throughout nearly all 50 states. At home, he was active in his RV park as he helped with Jam sessions and facilitated the 31 card games. He was also active in politics after switching to Democratic party allegiance following President Clinton’s election. Born June 13, 1938, in Lynnville, Ky., he was the son of the late Ruby Canter Cherry and James Dallas Cherry.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years: Marylin Cherry; a sister: Martha Mae Perschbacher; four children: Kevin Cherry, Bryon Robertson, Kimberly Woods and Perry Woods; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by two sisters: Anna Faye Boyer and Phyllis Gayle Cherry.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Family Funeral Home in Edinburg, Texas.