Lieutenant Colonel Jerrel Donald Oliver, US Army (Retired) passed away on November 18, 2023, at the age of 89 while in residence at Autumn Wind Senior Living Community in Winnsboro, Texas.

Jerrel was born in Timpson, Texas on August 2, 1934, to Hilliard Watts Oliver and Ollie Ray Oliver.

Jerrel graduated from Timpson High School in 1951. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1953. After serving several years in the enlisted ranks, he applied for and was accepted into the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School and commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduation.

Jerrel served in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and was awarded the US Army Master Parachutist Badge. He served in Korea, Vietnam, Germany, Washington, DC as well as numerous other military bases in the U.S. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1973 after 20 years of service.

After his military career, Jerrel became a licensed real estate agent, tax preparer and office manager for H&R Block.

He was a Master Mason and Shriner. Jerrel had a love for all animals, especially dogs and horses, and had a passion for trophy peacock bass fishing in South America.

Jerrel is survived by his wife, Betty; three children by his first wife, Judy L. Bright, Barry G. Oliver, Donna G. Walton and son in-law, John A. Walton; his former wife of 34 years, Claudia Robinson; his sisters Peggy Haden and Linda Kaye Grimes; and his brother Jimmy Wayne Oliver.

He was predeceased by his parents, Hilliard Oliver and Ollie Oliver; his first wife, Dorothy Dell Largent (mother ofhis children); daughter, Cherrie W. Russell and granddaughter, Brandi Russell and brother, Jackie Preston Oliver.

The children would like to give their sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at Autumn Wind Assisted Senior Living Community in Winnsboro, Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab in Sulphur Springs. and the VA affiliated - Right at Home Health Care in Winnsboro for their patience, kindness and attentive care given to their father.

To honor their father’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. We invite you to remember and celebrate Jerrel D. Oliver’s memory in your own way.

Memorial donations may be made to Choice Hospice, 601 Airport Road #120, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482, 903-335-8901.