Gerald Lynn Counts

Gerald Lynn Counts passed away April 30, 2014 in Bridgeport, Texas. Gerald was born April 13, 1924 in Wise County, Texas. His parents, Lawrence Earl and Mattie Lorene were farmers, and during the "Great Depression", they did not suffer from hunger. Gerald was the oldest of three children. Gerald graduated from the High School in Perrin, Texas and then enrolled in Texas A&M University. Shortly afterward he withdrew and joined the Army. He was in the 1st Division, 506 Regiment, C Company,101st Airborne. He jumped in Normandy, Holland, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. On December 20th 1944, the Germans launched an attack that led to the capture of the Medical Company, all of the surgical teams, as well as all of the wounded. The Medical Company was located in Western Bastogne. Gerald Counts was among those who were captured. He was a prisoner with about 1200 other prisoners in the barracks at Limburg. He was held prisoner for around 6 months. Gerald Counts does not have the uniform he wore during the war because it was burned in Belgium when he was released by the British. He still has his many decorations. Gerald was awarded two Bronze Stars (One for his jump into Normandy and one for his jump into Holland), a Purple Heart, a Presidential Unit Citation, The Good Conduct Medal, and The Medal for Prisoners of War and his various Campaign Medals. Gerald lived a full and enjoyable life on his own terms. He was a Highway Patrolman in El Paso, a chef, worked for the railroad and worked at LockHeed Martin. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit; he owned grocery stores and other businesses. Gerald leaves behind daughters Donny and husband Tom Gillum, Carolyn and husband Ted Gillum; grandchildren Brent and wife Amanda Gillum and Heather and husband Kyle Garner; great grandchildren Caitlin, Cassidy, Braedan, Gabby, Tyson, Matt, Grant, Jax, Jace and Ellison; sister Joy Counts and brother Pat and wife LaRue Counts along with numerous nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his wife Marueen Counts, parents and a granddaughter Renee Gillum. The funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.,Tuesday May 6, 2014, at the funeral home with burial following at Perrin Memorial Cemetery.