Jerry Edwin Quisenberry

Jerry Quisenberry, 77, of Ballinger, Texas, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, October 31, 2020.

Jerry was born August 7, 1943, to J E and Imogene Quisenberry in Quanah, Texas. He grew up in Robert Lee, Texas, where he played several sports and was active in debate and FFA. Jerry was baptized in 1954, at the age of 11, in the Robert Lee Baptist Church.

After high school, he attended Texas A&M University in College Station where he earned first his bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and then his PhD in Genetics. Also, during his college years, Jerry met and married Dianne Marie Tipton to whom he would be married for the next 29 years until her death in 1994. The couple resided in Idalou, Texas where they raised three children.

Whether coaching summer baseball or participating in stock shows, Jerry was very involved in the lives of his kids. He worked for the US Department of Agriculture for 31 years from 1972 until his retirement in 2003, serving as the Laboratory Director in Lubbock, Texas; El Reno, Oklahoma; Hilo, Hawaii; and Weslaco, Texas. During his career, Jerry was recognized many times for his contributions, including being named Citizen of the Year in El Reno, several USDA Outstanding Performance awards, and the Cotton Genetics Award.

In 1996, Jerry married Jimmie Diane Quisenberry, who would be his wife, traveling companion, and best friend until the end of his life. The two moved to Ballinger, Texas after Jerry’s retirement from the USDA where they enjoyed raising Beefmaster cattle, hunting, fishing, and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Jerry was known by his friends and family to have a quiet demeanor, a quick and intelligent wit, and an adventurous spirit. He leaves a legacy of improving the world around you through the impact and influence he had on his community, his friends, and his family.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, J E and Imogene Quisenberry, his sister Bonnie Walker, and his first wife, Dianne Marie Quisenberry.

He is survived by his wife Jimmie Diane Quisenberry; children: Rusty Quisenberry; Kim and John Ferry and their children Keely, Trey, and Tanner; Keith and Nikki Sinclair; John and Nikki Quisenberry and their children Jacob and Sydney; Ronda and Neil Rocha and their children Elliot and Noah; numerous nieces and nephews; sister Pam Risinger and husband Mike; and in-laws Owen Johnson, Mary Tipton, Dwain Walker, and Byron Bauerlein.

Social distancing and face masks will be required.