03/17/2024
Gerald D. Lyda Jr. (‘Dee’), of San Antonio, Texas, died peacefully of natural causes on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife, Patty Gebbert Lyda, and her two sons (Brandon Reynolds and Brian Reynolds); his two sons (Gerald D. Lyda III (‘Trey’) and Ryan ‘Holt’ Lyda Sr.) from his second wife, Sandy Holt Lyda; his son Brett Pierce Lyda from his first wife, Joan Lyda Lowe; his brother, Gene C. & wife Shay Lyda; and his sister, Eunita Jo & husband K.G. Granberg; his five grandchildren Gerald D. Lyda IV (‘Beck’), Ryan Holt Lyda Jr., Liam Jett Lyda, Luke Knoll Lyda, and Mei Lana Lyda.
Gerald was born on September 1, 1945, in Lampasas, Texas, to his loving parents, Gerald D. Lyda Sr. (d. 2005) and Randa Jean Lyda (d. 2009).
As a teen, Gerald and his brother Gene hosted many ‘Lyda Brothers’ youth rodeos in South Texas. While his brother was a champion bull rider, Gerald enjoyed marketing rodeos. He designed eye-catching posters and became a respected rodeo announcer, adding much interest to the event with his humor and expert timing. A ‘Gerald Lyda’ rodeo was an event to remember and was experienced by hundreds of South Texas crowds.
In 2020, Gerald was inducted into the South Central Texas Rodeo Ring of Honor in Bastrop, TX. In 2024, he will be the recipient of the Rodeo Cowboy of South Texas Reunion and Recognition Award.
Gerald was also a member of the Southwest Texas Cattlemen's Association.
Gerald attended Southwest Texas in San Marcos and graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.
After college, he began working for the family business, Lyda, Inc. Construction Company, where he gained hands-on experience in the field. Gerald also served in the Army National Guard, training at Fort Ord, California. After his service, Gerald returned to Lyda, Inc., where he gained more experience estimating, bidding, and managing many projects that contributed to the skylines of San Antonio and other South Texas cities.
Working with his dad in their business was an honor that Gerald accepted with all his heart. The Lyda organization grew to be a major Texas general contractor, carrying out such projects as the Expansion of the University of Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, the Tower of the Americas, Hemisphere Plaza and River Walk, Alamodome, Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park, Hilton Hill Country Resort, La Cantera Resort and Hotel, as well as many military facilities, hospitals, retail, office, bank, and health care facilities.
Gerald dedicated several years to serving as President of the San Antonio chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC).
In 2002, with Gerald as Vice President, Lyda, Inc. successfully sold its construction company.
With the passing of their father in 2005, Gerald and his brother, Gene, and wife Shay; along with his sister Jo and husband K.G. Granberg, began the management of La Escalera Partnership. La Escalera continues to move forward, continuing the vision of the family.
La Escalera is a working ranch located south of Fort Stockton, TX.
In 2015, Gerald initiated a comprehensive study aimed at understanding the water resources within the confines of La Escalera. In his pursuit of knowledge, he engaged professional hydrological services, gathering invaluable insights. The information amassed has been shared with the Pecos County community to enhance the collective understanding of the region's water resources.
Having met in Sunday School, Gerald and Patty Lyda married in 1990 and lived a joyful life in San Antonio. They loved going to the movies, entertaining friends and family, attending concerts, and dining at their favorite restaurants. They were best friends, and their love endured for 34 years.
All three of Gerald’s sons admired their father’s blend of business with creativity. He took immense pride that Brett, Trey, and Holt had built successful careers in the video and design industries. His stepson, Brandon, also found success as a writer for leading newspapers, magazines, and websites.
Gerald felt a remarkable connection with his stepson, Brian, who was born with Fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems. Gerald and Patty dedicated much of their lives to raising Brian, making fond memories of going to movies, eating out, and listening to music. Gerald loved Brian very much, and their relationship was strong.
Gerald had a passion for movies. Many would say that he missed his calling as a movie critic. He was also a formidable writer, cartoonist, photographer, and country music historian. He paid close attention to world news and enjoyed lively political debates.
Gerald had a warmth and was keen on getting people to talk about themselves. He placed much value on the power of purposeful listening.
Gerald was a devout Christian and gave all credit to the Lord. He made several friends at his church’s Bible study group. He founded the South Texas Gospel Music Association (STGMA), a platform that promoted gospel music bands. He also volunteered at retirement communities, visiting with elders and playing country music.
Gerald’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the community he served. His legacy of hard work, faithfulness, and kindness will continue to inspire the next generation, both family and friends.
In memory of Gerald's life, a celebration of his remarkable journey will be held on:
Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM CST
Northside Church
1600 N Gillis St, Fort Stockton, TX
https://tinyurl.com/286as9xb
Fort Stockton services will be managed by Heritage Funeral Homes (432) 693-4632.
There will NOT be a live stream of Dee’s services. Please report any account claiming otherwise as fraudulent.
Following the church service, Gerald’s family and friends are invited to La Escalera Ranch, a 17-mile drive south of Fort Stockton, where he will be buried. Barbecue will be served for lunch.
La Escalera Ranch Cemetery
Escalera Rd
Fort Stockton, TX
https://tinyurl.com/2cyaea9g
For those unable to attend the funeral service in Fort Stockton, there will be an earlier visitation and memorial service for Gerald in San Antonio.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 5-7:00 PM CST
Porter Loring Mortuary North
2102 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX
https://tinyurl.com/27rkm5e9
In Gerald’s memory, we hope you’ll consider donating to the FRAXA Research Foundation, a respected 501(c)3 organization dedicated to Fragile X research.
https://www.fraxa.org/donate/
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