Jerry Dewayne Arterberry, 54, of Madill, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024. He was born on November 13, 1969, in Madill to the late Troy Wallace Arterberry and Anna Belle Imotichey Arterberry, Jerry grew up in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, where he made lifelong memories and friendships. A proud graduate of Tishomingo High School's Class of 1988, Jerry was known for his humor, warmth, and the deep bond he had with his family. In 1988, Jerry married the love of his life, Deborah Ann Austin, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Together, they built a beautiful life full of laughter, love, and cherished traditions. Their journey took them to Madill in 1993, where Jerry began working for Oklahoma Steel and Wire before joining BNSF Railroad as a conductor—a position he held with pride for the past 18 years. Jerry's work ethic and dedication were admired by all who knew him. Deeply connected to his Chickasaw heritage, Jerry held his roots close to his heart. He was a proud member of the Lake Church of Texoma in Kingston, Oklahoma, and served as Vice Local Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). His leadership, kindness, and generosity extended to every facet of his life, especially within his community. Jerry was a fixture at the National Sandbass Festival, where he loved to lend a hand every year, and he proudly participated in the Sandbass Tea Party. Jerry found his greatest joys in the simple pleasures of life—cooking on his Blackstone and smoker for family gatherings, indulging in ghost stories and Bigfoot shows, and spending Sundays watching football with Pax. He had a special fondness for Chan's peanut butter cookies and never passed up an opportunity to make those around him laugh, often at their own expense. He was known for "stealing" any baby he could find, cradling them with love and teasing his friends and family mercilessly. His sense of humor shone brightest in his infamous text group, "The Turdburglars," where Jerry's quick wit and playful banter brought endless laughter. Yet, his greatest love was always his family. These past two months, his heart was fuller than ever, spending treasured time with his beloved Sugar Bear, Lottie Belle McCormick, and his wife of 35 wonderful years, Deborah. Jerry's legacy of love, laughter, and community will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jerry is survived by:

Wife:                           Deborah Ann Arterberry, Madill, Oklahoma

Children:                     Chandler McCormick and husband Devon, Madill, Oklahoma

Paxon Arterberry and wife Brandy, Mannsville, Oklahoma

Grandchildren:            Lottie Belle McCormick, Samuel Goodin, Hannah Goodin, Lydia Goodin and

bonus grandbaby Sutton James

Brothers:                     Troy Wayne Arterberry and wife Patricia, Mill Creek, Oklahoma

Jon Austin, Kingston, Oklahoma

Spencer Austin and wife Madison, Shawnee, Oklahoma

Nathan Austin and wife Cheyenne, Ada, Oklahoma

Sisters:                         Rebecca Wallace, Tishomingo, Oklahoma

Jeri Moore and husband Shawn, Fillmore, Oklahoma

Jana Imotichey, Tishomingo, Oklahoma

Julie Imotichey, Fillmore, Oklahoma

Lis Gambel, and husband Chad, Madill, Oklahoma

Sara Austin and husband Jeremy, Norman, Oklahoma

Fur babies:                   Miko Man, Eddie Van, and his baby girl Lucy "Goose, Goose"

Countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers; Johnny Ray, David and Ted, Bonus parents; Jerry and Janice Imotichey and Holland Jester.

Casket Bearers:         Jon Austin, Spencer Austin, Nathan Austin, Chad Gambel, Shawn Moore,

Jeremy Smith, Chad Nance, Scott Burch, Bobby Szenasi, Kent Wuestenfeld,

Joe Pittman, Thomas Westfall, Scott Clement

Honorary Bearers:      Terry Rushing, Bink Stafford, Ozzy Diaz, Mark Williams, Raygan Dodd, Troy Shelby,

Mike Diggs and his BNSF Railroad brothers

Memorials may be made to the Lake Church of Texoma for the building fund.