Roll Call Tribute

Edward Gerhardt Bleker, Jr.

October 31, 1944 - November 14, 2024 

Dr. Edward Gerhardt Bleker, Jr., 80, passed away on November 14, 2024.

Memorial Service: 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2025, in Greenwood's Live Oak Chapel, 3100 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76107.

Ed was born in Houston, Texas, to Edward Gerhardt Bleker, Sr. and Floy Settegast Bleker. He was raised on 250 acres of land in Austin, Texas, where his lifelong love for the outdoors was cultivated. He graduated from McCallum High School in 1963, and attended Texas A&M University, where he played trumpet in the Texas Aggie Band. He later transferred to Southwestern University, graduating with a degree in psychology in 1967. Edward continued his education at Texas Tech University, earning a doctorate in psychology in 1972.

During his graduate studies, Ed married Martha Jo Thrasher of Houston, Texas, and joined the United States Army, serving from the late 1960's until 1976. The newlyweds were stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco, where Ed served in the Medical Service Corps. He often fondly recalled the time they spent there. While stationed at Fort Benning, their son, Robert Edward Bleker, was born in 1974. While at Fort Bliss, Ed was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for initiating a mental hygiene consultation program and restructuring the psychology clinic, which greatly improved mental healthcare for soldiers and their families.

After his discharge from the Army, Ed and his family settled in Fort Worth, Texas, where he built a robust clinical psychology practice. He also served on the faculty of North Texas University and was the Chief Psychologist at John Petersmith Hospital. Ed retired in 2012.

An avid reader, Ed loved seeking out old history books. He enjoyed tennis, sailing, and spending time outdoors at his deer lease. Though diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which gradually impaired his physical abilities, it never dulled his sharp mind or clever wit. His generosity and sense of humor remained steadfast, and he continued to bring joy and laughter to those around him, even in his later years. His son recalls that Ed's love for him and his family was fierce and unwavering, a reflection of his deep devotion as a father. Ed found his greatest joy in being called "Gramps" by his two grandchildren.

Ed was preceded in death by his younger brother, John Settegast Bleker; and his wife, Martha Jo Bleker.

He is survived by his younger sister, Jennie Bleker Tillman, and her husband Taylor Ford; two nieces, Emma and Olivia Bleker; his son, Robert, and daughter-in-law, Joyce Kraftson Bleker; and two grandchildren, Edward Timothy Bleker and Emily Deborah Bleker.

GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME
Greenwood Funeral Homes - Cremation
3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107