Jerry Wayne Bivins

Jerry Wayne Bivins, 90, of Gonzales, passed away Monday, May 29, 2023.  He was born June 17, 1932 in Coleman, Texas, the son of George and Katie Whiteside Bivins. 

 As a young man, Jerry was an Eagle Scout and very active in high school playing football, basketball and baseball. He received a scholarship to play baseball for Texas Lutheran College in 1950 where he played  until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952.  His service with the Army led him to Japan, Manilla in the Philippines and Hawaii. He married Laura Lee Wilson on December 20, 1953 in Gonzales.

After his military service he returned to finish his degree at Southwest Texas State, where he graduated in 1957.  Jerry started his 27 year career with Gonzales ISD as a high school coach and teacher, he retired in 1985 as the athletic director. After retirement he taught at I.S.F. for 10 years which enabled numerous people to earn their GED.

He was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and served on several councils for the church.  Coaching was his passion, he touched so many lives and was beloved by his athletes. He and Laura were at every sports event, theatre play, birthday party and assembly that their grandchildren and great-grandchildren were involved in. They were definitely his biggest fans. He loved to play golf and cards, was active in Gonzales Little League, the Lions Club and taught drivers education in the summer.

Jerry was a coach, a father, Papa and everyone’s friend. His life leaves countless treasured memories for those that he leaves behind and is an example of love for those to pursue.

He is survived by his daughter Peggy Lyn Swierc of Floresville; son David W. Bivins and wife Mona of Gonzales; sister Nelda Walls of Houston; grandchildren: Coleman Swierc and wife Jennifer, Nikki Pena and husband Jacob, Jerret Swierc, Ashley Brunston and husband Bryan, Crystal Gray and husband Tim and Bailey Bozka and husband Landon. Also surviving are 14 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded by his parents, wife Laura and son-in-law Sam Swierc.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 5 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at the Gonzales Presbyterian Church with Reverend Cheryl Homsher and Reverend Jacob Pena officiating.  Interment will follow at the Gonzales I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Jerret Swierc, Coleman Swierc, Landon Bozka, Tim Gray, Tim Eckols, Mel Scruggs, Will Hodges and John Walls.  Memorials in memory of Jerry may be made to The Presbyterian Church.

Friends may sign the guestbook and leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul St., Gonzales.