Jerry Estes

AUSTIN, Texas -- Jerry Sylvester Estes, 85, passed away at his home in Austin on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015.

Jerry and his twin brother, Jamie, were born July 21, 1930, in Sikeston, Missouri, sons of Harley Sylvester and Cleopatra White Estes.

He grew up in Charleston, Missouri, and attended Duke University before enlisting in the Navy during the Korean conflict. Following discharge from the armed services, he graduated from Southeast Missouri State University, then from the University of Missouri School of Law. His professional career spanned the cities of Springfield, Missouri, and Cape Girardeau; Chanute, Kansas; and finally Austin, where he retired. Jerry's distinguished career included the practice of general, family and corporate law; securities commissioner for the state of Missouri; and 10 years as a magistrate and associate circuit judge in Cape Girardeau County.

Jerry was survived by his loving wife, Dianne, who too soon followed him in passing only days later; two sons, Stephen Berkeley (Kathi) Estes of McDade, Texas, and James Byron (Sidney) Estes of St. Louis; two daughters, Lisa Jay Estes of Austin and Lynn Joy (David) Waters of Brookshire, Texas; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

His civic involvement included being a founding member of Southeast Missouri State's Copper Dome Society and membership in Southeast's President's Council. An avid golfer, he was always a member of the local country club where he resided, most recently Onion Creek.

Memorial services for Jerry and Dianne will be held at noon Saturday at Onion Creek Club, 2510 Onion Creek Parkway in Austin. Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the American Heart Association or Texas Sweeties Dog Rescue.

Condolences may be sent to: harrellfuneralhomes.com.

Harrell Funeral Home in Austin is in charge of the arrangements.