Gerald Wade McPherson, Sr.

Gerald McPherson, Sr., 79, of Nederland, Texas, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Port Arthur, Texas, at the Medical Center of Southeast Texas. He was born on November 22, 1946, in Oakdale, Louisiana.

He proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. His military service was an important part of his life, and he carried with him the strength, dedication, and pride that came from serving his country.

He retired from the Valero Refinery after more than 35 years of dedicated service. Most of his career, he worked in the Instrumentation Department, where he took great pride in his work and the many years he devoted to the refinery.

To his family, he was so much more than a soldier. He was a dad, a grandfather, and a man who found happiness in the simple things. He loved cooking, gardening, traveling, listening to “The Oldies”, and spending time with the people he loved. He was also an avid reader and loved learning new things. He especially enjoyed trivia and could often be found watching Jeopardy!, putting his knowledge to the test.

He had a special place in his heart for babies and children and could always be counted on to have a smile, a kind word, or a little something to make them happy. One of the traditions that captured his personality so perfectly was the $2 bills he carried in his pocket. Whenever he encountered a child, he loved giving them one. It was a simple gesture, but it brought him and the child so much joy.

He had a way of showing love through the things he did rather than simply the things he said. His family will remember his stories, his laughter, his cooking, his love of gardening and travel, his love of learning, and especially the way he made each of them feel loved and special.

He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love that will live on through his family. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who were blessed to call him Dad, Grandpa, and friend.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sharon Kay McPherson of Nederland; his daughters, Laurie Martin and her husband, Scott, Wanda Stevens and her husband, Jeff, and Sandra Rhodes and her husband, Lent; his grandchildren, Samantha Baker and her husband, Jeff, Jordan Derese and her husband, Zack, Stacie Haynes and her husband, Justin, Carlie Howard and her husband, Cameron, Royce Rhodes and his wife, Jordyn, Jacob Martin and his wife, Jere', Steven Szaal and Arlett, and Eli Rhodes and Courtney; his great-grandchildren, Wesley Baker, Atticus Baker, Alex Baker, William Baker, River Howard, Jude Martin, and Harper Derese; and his brothers, Gary McPherson and his wife, Pauline, and Jim McPherson and his wife, Carolyn.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie "Mac" McPherson and Bernadine "Dean" Fincher; and his son, Gerald Wade McPherson, Jr.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the home of Wanda and Jeff Stevens, located at , 11705 Ridgemont Drive Beaumont, Texas, 77705, with full military honors to begin at 4:00 p.m., by the Southeast Texas Veterans Service Group. Guest are invited to please attend in casual and comfortable attire since this event will be held outdoors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Blinded Veterans Association. Donations made by check should be made payable to Blinded Veterans Association and mailed to: PO Box 90770, Washington, DC 20090. You may also donate online by visiting www.bva.org.