Jerome Jerry Labay

Jerome Charles “Jerry” Labay

Jerry Labay, 82, of Wharton, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2020, at his daughters home in Gatesville following a brief illness. Jerry was born on January 14, 1938 in Nada, Texas to the late Lawrence and Annie Marie Wesselski Labay.

Jerry was raised in the Garwood area and graduated from Garwood High School. He later attended and graduated from Wharton County Junior College.  Jerry married Joyce Waligura on August 18, 1962 in Wharton. He worked at Texasgulf Sulphur as a shift foreman for many years.  He enjoyed going deer hunting with his family, mowing and tending his yard and garden year-round. His grandchildren and great grandchildren always brought a smile to his face.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Matthew Labay.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of over 57 years, Joyce Labay of Wharton, daughter, Jennifer R. Labay Monroe and husband, Gene Monroe, Jr. of Gatesville, son, Jeffery Labay and wife, Cynthia of Needville, sisters, Pat Reed and husband, Gene of Sugar Land, and Jeanette Guilfoyle and husband Paul of Ft Mills North Carolina brother, Leon Labay of Needville, grandchildren, Cody Labay, Walker Monroe, Garrett Monroe, Kailey Labay, Collin Labay, and Paige Monroe, along with great grandchildren, Matthew and Teryn Labay.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 10, 2020 at the Chapel of Wharton Funeral Home after 5 pm with a parish rosary recited at 7 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 11 a.m. at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Nada.  A rite of Committal and Burial will follow at St Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Nada.

Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.  Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.