October 26, 1938 – July 3, 2014 Gerald Winifred Alverson passed away at home in Denison, TX surrounded by his loving family and dogs. Gerald was born on October 26, 1938 in Whitewright, TX to Alvin Winfred Alverson and Lillian Bernice Moran Alverson. He attended Bells High School, South Plain Jr. College and Texas Tech University. Gerald served in the US Army and was a member of the SAR with 24 proven patriots. On May 20, 1969, he married his wife, Margaret Alverson, who lovingly supported him constantly as his wife and friend. He became a Master Electrician with a Class A Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning license. With only $1, 500 and a 1968 Ford pick-up truck, he started his own business, Alverson Refrigeration, which continues to be in business after 41 years. While his hard-earned, successful business was important, his true passions existed in two different arenas: his animals and his family. Gerald was an avid hunter and farmer. A stray dog was never a stray for long, as he scooped them all off the street and took them home. He cared for his horses, cows, elk, and deer as though they were his children. He raised his real children to be strong and compassionate, teaching them the true meaning of hard work and love. These values are now instilled in his grandchildren.
His family, children and grandchildren loved him dearly and will miss him greatly. His grand-daughter Kristen composed the following tribute to show how much he was loved.
A tribute to Granddad
It seems impossible to sum up a man that you considered to be your hero. In fact, when I was presented with the task to write this, my thoughtful grandmother, mom, and aunt handed me a list of only adjectives to describe my granddad. Despite all their hard work, I was able to condense the page of adjectives into two words: strong and kind. While these two words may seem contrary, my granddad encompassed both of these. He worked harder than anyone I know and he loved more deeply and generously than imaginable.
My granddad was a true cowboy. Every visit, he would show me a new horse or calf and I would stare with pure joy and amazement. I still find myself filled with those same emotions when I sit on the fence and look upon the farm he built and the animals that fill it. He taught me how to ride a horse, shoot a gun and how to drive a car. I remember when he put six-year-old me in the driver’s seat of his F-150 truck and said, “Just don’t hit the cows.” He was always teaching. It was important to him to share with others the life he loved, and I fell more in love with each lesson. The country lives in my heart in the way he would have wanted.
My granddad worked every day of his life, either at his business or the farm. He pushed himself to be honest in every business move, which is why his business continues to be successful today. My soul pours with pride when I think of everything he accomplished and the sacrifices he made for his family. His hard work gave his family everything they needed.
My granddad stressed the importance of education to me every time I saw him. He would tell me, “Education is the most valuable thing you can have in this life,” and he was right. One night, he looked me right in the eyes and said, “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you’re a girl.” I think of those words every day. He is the main reason that I will be graduating with my Master’s degree next fall. He believed in me in the most profound way that drove me to study more and work harder.
He was my supporter, my teacher, and my hero. There’s only one way to conclude this tribute: the same way we would always argue at the end of each goodbye.
I love you more, Granddad.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 45 years, Margaret Alverson, his sister Willie Mae Shaw and her husband James Shaw, his daughter Patti Polk Diou and her husband Emile Diou, daughter Lisa Drumm and husband Noel Drumm, son Drew Alverson and wife Michelle Alverson; grandchildren Ashley Wert and husband Mitch Wert, Kristen Diou, Alex Diou and Shea Alverson; and great grandchild, Jayce Wert.
The service will be held on Tuesday, July 8 at 2:00 PM at Mullican-Little Funeral Home located at 54 Texas 56. Bells, Texas 75414.
The family will receive friends from 6:00PM until 8:00PM at the funeral home on Monday, July 7, 2014.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ARFhouse at 3377 Spalding Road, Sherman, TX 75090. //www.arfhouse.com/help.html
Click on the link below to view the funeral service.
