Gerald (Jerry) Lawrence Jones, 71, of Cross Plains died Monday, March 6, 2023, in an Abilene hospice facility. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2023, at the Cross Plains City Cemetery with Gary Coven officiating under the direction of Bailey Howard Funeral Home of Clyde.

Jerry was born February 10, 1952, in Greenville, Michigan to Gerald and Jewel (Sledge) Jones. He graduated from Brownwood High School. He married Mary McCullough in Brownwood on May 21, 2000. He worked for many years as a trader, selling fruits and other items in and around Cross Plains. He was known as the "Watermelon Man" in Cross Plains. Jerry was a member of the Pentecostal Church.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jones of Cross Plains; son, Daniel "Dan" Johnson of Tyler; two daughters, Angela Houk of Denton and Crystal Houk of Kansas; sister, Kathy Stark of Anton; four grandchildren, Seth Mullins and Carolene Mullins, both of Bedwater, Jay Robertson of San Sntonio and Kristin Houk of Flint; two great grandchildren, Eden Robertson and Grace Houk and his uncle, Jimmy McNeil.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Jewel and a brother, James Thompson.