Gerald Allan Chupka

Gerald Allan Chupka, of Abilene, formerly of Detroit, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 in Abilene. A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 4th, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. A burial service will be held 2:00 p.m. the same day at The Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. Gerald (Jerry) was born in Detroit, Michigan to Andrew and Jessie Chupka on the 28th of November, 1940. Jerry attended Hamtramck High School, and joined the United States Air Force on the 4th of December, 1958. Jerry served 20 years in the United States Air Force including a tour in Vietnam. Jerry married Patricia Bolger on January 27th, 1962 in Cheltenham, England. Jerry's first son, Vince Gerald, was born July 5th, 1962. His second son, Christopher Jay, was born April 2nd 1969. While in the Air Force the family lived in Michigan, England, Germany, Panama, and Texas. Jerry retired from the Air Force in 1978, making Abilene his home, and worked for the United States Postal Service for the next 20 years. After the Postal Service, Jerry enjoyed his retirement with golf, grandchildren, and his wife Pat. Jerry was preceded in death by our Uncle Tom, Uncle Roger, and Andrea Chupka. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Pat Chupka, brother Ronald, sons Vince and Chris, mother Jessie Gadowski, grandchildren Emily and Sarah. Jerry will also be missed by his extended family in England and golf partners. The Chupka Family wishes to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Anton Melnyk and his staff at Texas Oncology and Abilene Regional Medical Center. Memorials may be given to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202. Jerry was a loving Husband, Dad, and Grampy. His honesty and openness will be missed by all who had the privilege to know and love him. "Play the ball as it lays."