Roll Call Tribute

Jerry Lee Blasdel 

September 9, 1945 - October 26, 2024 

Jerry Lee Blasdel passed away at his home on Saturday, October 26, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Ruth Blasdel; brother William Blasdel, brother Jim Blasdel, sister Mary Emma Reed, sister Ruth Werner, sister Jane Ann Klawitter; and grandson Connor Fitzhugh.

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Ruth Blasdel, children Tammey Blasdel, Chance Blasdel (Mandi), Donnie Jerkins (Cora), and Stephen Jerkins (Leann); sister Haroldetta Robertson; grandchildren Greenlee Fitzhugh, Chandler Fitzhugh, Levi Blasdel, Ashley Martinez (Paul), Chase Jerkins (Jenn), Clayton Jerkins (Sarah), Blake Jerkins, Brittany Jerkins, Faith Jerkins; and seven great-grandchildren.

Jerry was born in 1945 in Rosenberg, Texas, where he grew up working on the family farm alongside his parents and siblings. He spent his childhood rough-housing with his younger brother Jim, raising calves to compete in livestock shows, and riding horses in the local rodeo. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1963 and attended Texas A&M University at College Station, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Economics in May, 1968. He put himself through college by working as a roughneck for Big Creek Oilfield, and said that the long hours and hard work kept him out of trouble when he wasn’t in school.

Jerry was drafted into the United States Army after graduation and reported for basic training at Fort Hood, Texas on June 6, 1968. While he didn’t speak much about his time in Vietnam, Jerry credits his commanding officer with the leadership skills he developed during that time, saying that those abilities were essential to his pipeline career after service. Jerry was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, where he was selected as an aerial observer. He served as a helicopter scout, sighting enemy positions and radioing their location to friendly forces. His decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and the Army Air Medal with oak leaf cluster and “V.” He returned from Vietnam and was honorably discharged on April 9, 1970.

Following his time in service, Jerry found work as an equipment operator for Louis Jankowski before starting his career at Troy Construction, where he worked for over forty years, reaching the positions of general superintendent and vice president. Over the years, Jerry made a name for himself as both a capable pipeliner and a firm but fair leader. His strong reputation followed him as he opened Blasdel Drilling, a directional drilling company specializing in fiber optic cable installation. No matter his company, title, or position, he humbly answered everyone who asked his occupation with “I’m just a ditch digger.”

Jerry saw his children grow up and get married, and he adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to spend time working in his yard and could often be found mowing on his John Deere tractor or picking up sticks in his Kubota side-by-side. After spending most of his working years traveling, he preferred to stay home and enjoy the company of family and close friends. His favorite pastimes were swapping stories on the back porch, watching deer in the pasture behind the house, and sitting in a rocking chair in his reading room.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Davis Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. Burial with military honors to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg. Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd., Rosenberg, Texas 77471.