John Lee Gerik

ARLINGTON-John Lee “Buddy” Gerik, 69, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2017, in Arlington. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Interment: 1:15 p.m., Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at the funeral home. Memorials: Memorial gifts may be made to Community Hospice at Arlington Memorial Hospital or the Humane Society of North Texas. Buddy was born on July 30, 1947, in Waco, Texas to John Lee Gerik and JoAnn Smaistrla Gerik. He was raised in West, Texas, and lived in Lakehurst, New Jersey, and Norfolk, Virginia. Buddy retired as a Lieutenant with the U.S. Navy. An Arlington resident since 1991, he recently retired from The University of Texas at Arlington where he served as the administrative assistant in the Military Science Department. Buddy enjoyed playing Jazz Saxophone and reading. He is preceded in death by his parents; and a son, John Lee Gerik III in 1977. Survivors: Wife of 36 years, Ruth Gerik; daughter, Christi Evans and husband, Chad; brothers, Tom Gerik and wife, Carolyn; Phil Gerik and wife, Cathy; and Mike Gerik and wife, Cyndi; sister, Karen Bittner and husband, Vern; grandchildren, Christian and Cassie Evans; friend and former wife, Kay Holmes; and many nieces and nephews. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233