Jerry Gaskin

Jerry Gaskin, 84, died Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at The Oaks at Beaumont. He was born in Beaumont November 20, 1933. As a child he and his brother, Bob, often played along the stone wall of the depression era East Texas College of Law night school where their father was registrar. A few years after graduating from Beaumont High in 1952, Jerry began work for Oran Biskamp, his mentor in the trade of sign painting, which in those years qualified as an art of its own.

On the side, Jerry earned a BA degree in Lamar’s first class to be awarded a psychology bachelor’s, under the influence of Otto Flocke. Jerry migrated to his beloved Austin in the early 1970’s where he remained for over 45 years. He worked for several years at Hollis Baker signs, until computers changed the skill set.

From there he ventured to various other jobs and avocations. He occasionally wrote plays performed in some of Austin’s playhouses, was a bus driver for the University of Texas, and was an occasional extra in movies like The Alamo. He briefly relived his young days bull riding, and spent a winter with friends in Norway. After earning a pilot’s license, he scraped together enough money to buy his own Cessna 150.

Personal struggles were a persistent part of Jerry’s life. He tried mightily to understand and be at peace with the world around him. His apartment was usually strewn with books by great writers, philosophers, and theologians. He introduced his brother to the study of Emerson in the early 60’s. His nephews and niece will forever remember the aroma of his oil paintings drifting out the always open door of his apartment into the warm nights of Austin. Settling down with a wife and earning the family dollar never occupied a primary place in Jerry’s life. Lillian, Margit, Roseanne, and Suzan were the enduring loves of his heart. His paintings and bull riding spurs still hang on the walls of his brother’s bookstore.

His journal writings reveal a yearning desire for God’s grace and forgiveness. His favorite scripture verse was Micah 6:8: He has told you, o’ man, what is good; but what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Survivors include his brother, Bob Gaskin and his wife, Joyce, of Beaumont; nieces and nephews, Venita Gaskin of Georgia; Barton Gaskin and his wife, Masako, of Beaumont; and Malcolm Gaskin and his wife, Ferlie, of Georgia; and a host of relatives and friends.

A memorial service for Mr. Gaskin will be at 3:00 p.m.., Saturday, December 15, 2018, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A family committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.