Gerald Wayne Linton

Gerald Wayne Linton, 82, of Elk, Texas went to be with his Lord on March 23, 2026. A Memorial Service will be 11:00am, Saturday, March 28, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. Officiating the service will be Chad Lewis and Bro. Billy Burchfield.

Gerald was born October 29, 1943, in El Campo, Texas to Nathan D. and Edith Clapp Linton. He graduated from Palacios High School in 1962. Gerald proudly served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service from 1965 to 1969. After the Navy, he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and History from Hardin Simmons University in 1971.

Gerald married the love of his life and best friend, Gayla Clemons, on April 17, 2010, in Crawford, Texas. They shared the joy of the Lord in their daily lives and they served together, first at Shiloh Baptist in Crawford, and then at Williams Creek Baptist near their home in Elk, where they were members.

One of the great joys of Gerald's life, other than his family, was coaching and watching football. He coached all sports, but football was his passion. He was an educator, administrator and coach in the Central Texas Area for over 30 years. Ranching and wildlife brought Gerald great joy! He loved his land and cattle, and many other creatures including horses, dogs, cats, geese and ducks. Gerald delighted in the repopulation of deer on his property. Gerald served as Assistant Fire Chief in the Elk Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years. Gerald was an active member of the Corell Retired School Personnel chapter of TRTA.

Gerald will be remembered for his love of people. He never met a stranger and could have a conversation with anyone anywhere. Gerald had a story for every occasion. He loved playing 42 with different groups in the area and was always ready with a "31 bid." He had a passion for life that he shared with everyone he knew.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Beverlay Morgan Linton, infant daughter, Jimmie Edith Linton, and son, Gerald "Chip" Morgan Linton.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Gayla Clemons Linton of Axtell, Texas, daughters, Krystal Kaye Higdon and husband Mario of Killeen, Texas, Kimberlay Kathleen Pavlik and husband John of Axtell, Texas, brother, Ron Linton of Axtell, Texas, sister, Sandra Dullnig and husband Robert of Garland, Texas, brother-in-law, William Bregan of Crawford, Texas, and uncle, Robert Linton of Kingsville, Texas. Grandchildren, Danyele Fitzgerald and husband Michael of Huntsville, Texas, Chris Richards and Kevin Richards of Hewitt, Texas, great-grandchildren, Caydance Kimbrough of Lubbock, Texas, Nathan Thompson of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Zachariah Richards and Sophia Richards of Axtell, Texas, beloved nieces and nephews and friends.

The family wishes to thank their Williams Creek Baptist Church family, Elk VFD, BSW home and hospital Hospice, and their friends and neighbors in Axtell, Crawford and Gatesville for their loving care and support during Gerald's illness.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, that memorials be made to Williams Creek Baptist Church, PO Box 377, Axtell, Texas, 76624 or Elk VFD, 9297 Elk Rd., Axtell, Texas, 76624 or a charity of your choice.