Jerry Otis McKeand, 72, of Sweeny, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and servant of the Lord, passed away Friday, April 18, 2014. He was born on September 6, 1941 to Avanelle Dittemore and Dean French and was adopted by his "real" father Thomas James McKeand "Papa Tom". Jerry married his wife, Barbara "Sweetie", while they were stationed at Carswell AFB, TX in 1962. After 9 years military, college, a career in computers and teaching, he retired to Sweeny in 2004. He was a dreamer, but one that worked to make his dreams and those of his family come true. Jerry delighted in spending time with his Lord, family and friends, and his art hobby.

Family and friends will celebrate his life at First Baptist Church, 402 N Main St, Sweeny, TX at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2014.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Barbara and daughter, Belinda Soderberg and her husband, Steven; son, Timothy Scott McKeand and wife Rebecca; 6 grandchildren: Amber, Angela, Chelsea, Melissa, Sammy, and Steven; 12 great grandchildren: Brooklynne, Dayszia, Angelica, John, Jose, Kaelynne, Jayce, Matthew, Rebecca, Ricardo, Rosalinda, Victor; sisters: Jayne Jacobsen, and Sharon married to Albert Scarborough; brother, Thomas McKeand, and many nieces and