Joseph "Jerry" Jerome Keating

Mom and dad, family

Jerry, born to Carl and Bernice Keating, was the youngest child of five siblings. His sisters said that he was adorable and often stole the spotlight. His father instilled in him a strong work ethic and love of cars. His mother, an outgoing community organizer for children and former competitive college swimmer, inspired his athletic future and love of learning and games. Jerry had many fond memories with his sisters including going to the Garden Oaks Theater in the 1950’s. Over the years Jerry recounted the first time watching The Wizard of Oz while sitting on the lap of his sister and how they all comforted him when he was disturbed by seeing the wicked witch.

Swimmer, college, army, career

As a kid, Jerry loved sports. Following in his mother’s footsteps, he became a college varsity swimmer. At Texas A&M University Jerry studied electrical engineering, which would shape his 30-year career in telecommunications that began with service in the United States Army and continued for 25 years at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

Married, children, travel, greatest dad

During college Jerry met Carol Broberg. They married in 1965. After completing his military service in Tampa, Florida, they moved to Houston and raised two children. Jerry was a super-dad, the only father you could count on to be in the front yard after work, teaching his and other kids’ fun games to play outdoors. He was the dad at every swim meet, every volleyball tournament, every school event as well as those ER visits when one of the kids needed stitches. Jerry was also a true handyman and loved repairing things. He often helped neighbors and family on various home, car, and electrical projects. Jerry loved family vacations with coastal destinations where he would body-surf, swim, snorkel and go fishing. Soon after moving to Austin, Texas to be closer to their adult children, Jerry lost his first wife to cancer in 2004. In the years to follow, Jerry volunteered for Mobile Loaves and Fishes and helped with maintenance work at his church.

Austin, golf, dancing, recovery

While on vacation in the mid 2000’s, Jerry met Carol Allen and quickly found that they had much in common. Together they traveled, improved their golf games, and became dedicated to learning social dancing styles. In 2012 Jerry had a serious stroke which left him partially paralyzed. Carol said Jerry never complained about his physical state but with incredible resolve, he made every minute count. With perseverance, patience and great love, Carol and Jerry faced many challenges and made the next 14 years count. Even when medical challenges seemed insurmountable, Jerry always found a way to tell a joke to family and medical staff alike.

Jerry is survived by his wife Carol Keating of Buda, Texas; son Douglas Keating of Austin, Texas; daughter Rebecca Garlett and husband Frank of Round Rock, Texas; sister Mary Bent of Bloomington, Indiana; half-sisters Joy Friedman of Houston, Texas and Sara Troutman of Arlington, Texas; and half-brother James Akin of Houston, Texas. Other close family include Niece Lisa Scott and husband Perry of Indianapolis, Indiana; Nephews Jason Bent and wife Erica of Anchorage, Alaska; Alan Bent of Bloomington, Indiana; Carl Keating and wife Maggie of Joshua, Texas and many beloved family and friends.