May 24, 1942 – November 27, 2021
BELLEVUE – Jerry Weldon Cantwell, 79, Bellevue, TX, passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 24, 2021.
A graveside service will take place at 2 p.m. on Nov. 27 at Vashti Cemetery with Pastor Mike Henson officiating.
Jerry was born on May 24, 1942 in Bowie to Robert Ivy “Beetle” and Zona Berniece (Joplin) Cantwell. He grew up on his family’s ranch, where he was taught by his father and brother an incredible work ethic, how to be independent, how to persevere through tough times and how to adapt in any environment. His loving mother led both of her children and her husband to Christ, which produced a domino effect in the Cantwell family where parents teach their children about God’s love through His son Jesus Christ.
He graduated from Bowie High School in 1960, where he was active in football, basketball, baseball, track and the Future Farmer’s of America. He received a scholarship to Texas Tech University to play football, and graduated with a degree in Ag-Business.
Jerry married Carolyn Gay Allen on June 24, 1961, she was the love of his life, best friend and partner in raising a family, as well as, their business interest. They were together for 60 years. Jerry and Carolyn own and operate a branch of Circled Bar Ranch in Bellevue, where they taught their children and grandchildren the values of work, love for each other and salvation through Jesus Christ. They also were owners of Cantwell Oil Company in Bowie, until they sold the business.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bowie, where he was baptized on Aug. 30, 1953 and he enthusiastically served the Lord in many areas, including deacon, choir member, several committees and Sunday School teacher in the youth department, where he mentored many of Bowie’s youth over a substantial period of time.
Jerry lived his life as a servant leader not only to his family and church but also as a board member of Wise Electric Cooperative and trustee on the Bowie Independent School District Board. His passions in life were to love and serve God, to love and sacrifice for his family and friends, and to love and mentor young people.
He is preceded in death by his parents, “Beetle” and Berniece Cantwell and his beloved grandson, Calvin York.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Cantwell, Bellevue; children, Rowdy Cantwell, Bellevue, Jodie York and husband, John, Muenster and Rayce Cantwell and wife, Shelly, Bowie; granddaughter, Jaycie York, Dallas; brother, James Cantwell and wife, Joan, Bowie; sisters-in-law, Patsy Choate, Bowie, Paula Brooks, Bowie and Darlene Oberhofer and husband, Jim, Stevensville, MT; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Bowie’s Building Fund or Youth Department.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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