Jerry Lee Trant

Jerry Lee Trant was born in La Mesa, California on May 30, 1951, but, as he often added that he got to Texas as fast as he could. He was raised in Odessa, Texas with his three younger siblings getting into mischief with them often. The family moved to La Porte, Texas when he soon joined the Navy. Jerry was a devoted sailor, making the Navy a twenty-year career. This had been his dream job and he got to live it. He served our country from Vietnam through Desert Storm on the flightdeck of five aircraft carriers as an Aviation Boatswains Mate, Fuels, a highly dangerous vocation. He was also stationed stateside and throughout his service served too as a Security Specialist and Safety Petty Officer. He was a small arms expert, receiving recognition and awards in that field and was engaged as an expert sharpshooter. He relished that he had crossed the equator many times and visited the North and South Poles. Although he still got into mischief while in the military – per stories many have heard – he still managed to receive Good Conduct Awards, Letters of Appreciation, a Naval Efficiency Commendation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal and was even recognized as Sailor of the Month. He received numerous medals and ribbons for his service. Jerry retired from the Navy as a Petty Officer First Class and enlisted for another ten years in the Fleet Reserve. After his retirement Jerry worked for family before his disabilities got the better of him. However, he always found time to volunteer at his synagogue, Congregation Shaar Hashalom, in whatever capacity he could contribute and he was gratified that he could be of support. Jerry was a complex man. He loved to participate in The Society for Creative Anachronisms, and he enjoyed poetry and prose. He wrote therapeutically (original and paraphrased pieces) when he sought peace when the demons of war arose within, although he never sought to share those. He finally found the love of his life Riva, over thirty years ago. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and even became a surrogate “Pop” to a few others, too. Although he had been very ill in his final years, he died unexpectedly in Houston, TX on April 10, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zimria “Buster” Trant, Doris “Evelyn” Trant and his sister Barbara Ann Parisher. He is survived by his wife Riva R. Trant; his children Thomas Matthew Trant, Evelyn Grace Trant, David Benjamin Trant; his grandchildren Zimra Trant, Dameon Trant, Aiden Trant, Bryan Albrow; his brothers Donnie Trant (Delinda), and Rickey W. Trant (Carin), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. I am a sailor of eternity whose voyage is not gone. (Shannon L. Alder) In lieu of flowers please make donations in Jerry’s memory to your local animal shelter and/or Congregation Shaar Hashalom. A graveside service with Navy Honors was held on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Forest Park East Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas 77598

Jerry Lee Trant

May 30, 1951 - April 10, 2023