"Jerry" Thomas Gerald Wallen
May 11, 1939 - May 3, 2013

"Remembering you today in thoughts and lifting a voice in song and prayer."

" Condolences to the Wallen family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, "is healing the broken hearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots." May God bring you comfort and peace."

"Jerry, a wise man and loving brother, who will be greatly missed. We can hardly comprehend the loss and enormity of it. He was a self-made man whose hard work, ingenuity, and perseverance brought him success in business and enjoyment in life. When I dig in my yard, I think of Jerry's wonderful garden and the nice, long tour he gave me last year. He certainly had a knack for growing things and was recycling before it was the thing to do. He passed down our mother's 'waste not, want not' philosophy.  His love and sense of family responsibility extended beyond his immediate family. He was always the first to call and check on me following a severe storm or tornado threat. His emails shared family news and innocent anecdotes of grandkids, often with some dry humor that almost disguised a life's lesson...but it was there.  And we can't forget his keen mind for details and genealogy dates, even as we'd harass him to hurry up and finish birthing those babies:).  I will hold dear the last visit he made to my house, to and from attending the VA reunion with family. It was a special time together. I don't think he even picked on me that time:) May your own special memories bring comfort. Love,  Amy "

"Here is the eulogy by his son Rodney Thomas G. Wallen May 11th, 1939 to May 3rd, 2013 Brother, Husband, Father, Grand and Great Grandfather, Manager, Repairman, Landlord - Jerry Wallen has been different things to many people. Yet he has been the same to us all: Helpful, Generous, Patient and a Teacher. Among many things, dad taught us to think things through, to evaluate. Often looked upon as indecisiveness, he knew the wisest choice took effort. For me building things together was often his textbook. "Measure twice, cut once" or "better put another nail in it" when 1 would do. The 1st project I recall building together was a simple birdhouse. This birdhouse hung on the front porch for decades. We watched generations of sparrows from the window of our living room. The lessons continued during the expansion of the Baptist Temple, an addition to our home and climaxed when we build an entire house together. I'm so happy we were able to share these projects. The physical & mental skills learned transfer to many aspects of my life even today. Dad understood he needed money to support his family, but he was never motivated by money itself. The price of our education from Dad - he expected you to work hard, be diligent & focused, and to give it your best. I sometimes felt guilty of persuading dad to follow one of my crazy ideas. We were to early into screen printing, to late into gold. When talking about not succeeding his reply: "the greatest failure is to have never tried". Dad endured not only great physical but emotional pain in his life. In recent years his body hurt continuously. I was as hopeful as anyone and convinced he would recover this time too. After the initial shock of last Friday morning, I was able to find joy knowing that dad felt pain no more. Dad was not fearful of dying, only of leaving work unfinished for others. ALL OUR LOVE from those gathered here today as well as those who could not be with us. Thank you for coming to honor the earthly life of Thomas G. Wallen. Special thanks to the companies that supported the family members."

""Uncle Jerry" I'm sure everyone has reflected about all the special times and wonderful memories Uncle Jerry left us with. He always said he would rather go to a funeral instead of a wedding because he knew funerals are forever. I don't think any of us imagined being at HIS service this soon. He touched each one of our lives in many different ways. The lessons he taught us, the love he showed us and the compassion he conveyed are just a few of his amazing qualities that I will remember. He had a way of making each one of us feel special. All of my life he made me feel that "I" was "his favorite". But, through his love and gentleness, he had a way to make all of us feel like "his favorite". When he said "sit down a minute" you could count on being there a while. I always listened carefully to every story (even when he repeated the same ones over again) because whether we knew it or not, there was always a life lesson to be learned. During one of my visits with him in the hospital I asked him: " Uncle Jerry, you want to tell me a story, don't you? He shook his head YES, tried to open his eyes and it almost seemed like he chuckled. I would LOVE to hear just ONE more "Uncle Jerry"story....... I think we all would agree that he never met a stranger. We all knew that a "quick trip" to Home Depot was not going to be so quick. He always had time to listen, was known for his love of God, family, interest in people, the simple things in life, his love of carpentry, gardening and nature. Those of us who knew Uncle Jerry were blessed, and those who never did, missed out on a really special person. I remember at the end of most visits with him, He would say..... " I'm glad you got to see me today".... He would tell us all to love each other unconditionally, take care of our family and be a friend to everyone in need. I will think of him often and miss him dearly. I know he would want us to smile and remember the good times, enjoy life and cherish our friends and family. So thinking about what I would read today, I thought about a poem called " When Tomorrow Starts Without Me" as his "last story" to comfort each of us today AND in the tough days ahead. Michele"

""When Tomorrow Starts Without Me" When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see. If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today, While thinking of the many things we never got to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you.. And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.. But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand.. An angel came and called my name and took me by the hand, It seemed my place was ready - In Heaven far above, and that I'd have to leave behind, those things I dearly love.. But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye. For all of life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for, so much yet to do, It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad.. I thought of all the love we shared, and how much fun we had.. If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I'd say goodbye, then kiss you 'til I saw that special smile.. But then I fully realized, that it could never be, 'Cause emptiness and memories, would take the place of me. And when I thought of all those things, I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. . But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, From his great & golden throne, He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you. Today your life on Earth is past, but here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, and since each day is the same day, there's no longing for the past. . But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true, Though there were some times you did some things you shouldn't do. . But you have been forgiven, and now at last you're free, So come and take me by the hand, and share my life with me.." So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'll be right there - in your Heart.. Always in my heart........ Michele "Shelly" "

"To my cousin Gerald, They laid your body to rest today, but when you took your last breath here your life truly started with our family and lord Jesus in heaven. I'll remember you as a brother and a man to be imitated, a man who always put God and family first, and a man who was always calm, cool, and wise. I always looked up to you along with my Dad and my brother Phillip. I think about what a great time of celebration you're all having in heaven together. No more pain, sorrow, or suffering; only good things for you now. I know you tried hard and fought to live as family that went home before you. Its human nature to live for our family here, but god needed your wisdom, love, and kindness with our family in heaven. It's going to be a great reunion for those that follow Jesus. There's no doubt we will see you there. Your brother in Christ- Dennis J. Wallen"