Gerald D. Lyda Jr. ('D'), passed away peacefully at his home in San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the age of 78. Gerald is survived by his wife, Patty Lyda, and her two sons (Brandon Reynolds and Brian Reynolds); his two sons, Gerald D. “Trey” Lyda, III, and Ryan ‘Holt’ Lyda, Sr. from his second wife, Sandy Holt Lyda; his son Brett Pierce Lyda from his first wife, Joan Lyda Lowe; his brother, Gene C. and wife Shay Lyda, and his sister, Eunita Jo and husband K.G. Granberg; his five grandchildren, Gerald D. “Beck” Lyda IV, Ryan Holt Lyda Jr., Liam Jett Lyda, Luke Knoll Lyda, and Mei Lana Lyda.

Gerald D. Lyda (D) was born on Sept. 1, 1945, in Lampasas, Texas, to his loving parents, Gerald D. Lyda Sr. and Randa Jean Lyda.

As a teen, Gerald and his brother Gene would put together youth rodeos in South Texas. Gerald enjoyed the marketing of rodeos. He became a respected rodeo announcer, adding much interest to the event with his humor and expert timing. A ‘Gerald Lyda’ rodeo was an event to remember and was experienced by hundreds of South Texas crowds until he stopped announcing in 1990.

D was inducted in 2020, to the South-Central Texas Rodeo Ring of Honor in Bastrop, Texas. In 2024 he will be the recipient of the Rodeo Cowboy of South Texas Reunion and Recognition Award.

D was also a member of the Southwest Texas Cattlemen's Association.

Gerald attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos and graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.

After college, he began working for the family company Lyda, Inc. Construction Company, where he gained hands-on experience in the field. Gerald also served in the Army National Guard, training at Fort Ord, California. After his service, Gerald returned to Lyda Inc. where he gained more experience estimating, bidding, and managing many projects that contributed to the skyline of San Antonio and other South Texas areas.

Working with his dad in their business was an honor that Gerald accepted with all his heart. The Lyda organization grew to be a major Texas general contractor, carrying out such projects as the Expansion of the University of Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, the Tower of the Americas, Hemisphere Plaza and River Walk, Alamo Dome, Fiesta Texas Theme Park, Hilton Hill Country, and La Cantera Resort and Hotel, as well as many military facilities, hospitals, retail, office, bank, and health care facilities.

Gerald dedicated several years to serving as President of the San Antonio chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC).

Gerald, as Vice President of Lyda, Inc., sold its construction company in 2002.

With the passing of their father in 2005, Gerald (D) and his brother, Gene and wife Shay along with his sister Jo and husband KG Granberg began the management of La Escalera Partnership.

La Escalera is a working ranch located south of Fort Stockton, Texas.

They as the partnership “La Escalera” then moved forth with the vision for the family.

In 2015, Gerald launched a study to gain as much knowledge as per the water resources both of the area and within the perimeter of “La Escalera.”

To learn as much as possible, he sought out both professional and hydrological services to acquire such. Much information learned has also been shared with the Pecos County Community and hopefully will assist in a better understanding of all water resources in this area.

Gerald (D) married his wife Patty in 1990 and lived a joyful life. D’s favorite times with Patty were movies, entertaining friends, and dining. They were best friends and their love endured for 34 years.

All three sons, Brett, Trey, and Holt admired their father’s blend of business with his creativity. All three sons have built successful careers in video and design industries. His stepson, Brandon, also has found success as a writer for leading newspapers, magazines, and websites.

Gerald felt a remarkable connection with his stepson, Brian, who was born with Fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems. Gerald loved Brian very much and their relationship was strong; they enjoyed going to the movies, eating out and listening to music.

Gerald had a passion for movies. Many would say that he missed his calling as a movie critic. He was also a formidable writer, cartoonist, photographer, and country music historian. He paid close attention to world news and enjoyed a lively political debate.

Gerald had a warmth and was keen on getting people to talk about themselves. He placed much value on the power of purposeful listening.

Gerald was a devout Christian and gave all credit to the Lord and Savior. D took much of his time with friends at his Church’s bible study group. He founded the South Texas Gospel Music Association, a platform that promoted gospel music bands. He also volunteered at several retirement communities, visiting with the elders, and playing music.

D’s passing leaves a void in all the hearts of family, friends, and the community he served. His legacy of hard work, faithfulness and kindness will continue to inspire the next generation, both family and friends.

In memory of Gerald's life, a celebration of his remarkable journey will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Northside Church, 1600 N Gillis Street in Fort Stockton.

Following the church service, Gerald’s family and friends are invited to La Escalera Ranch, a 17-mile drive south of Fort Stockton, where he will be laid to rest at the family cemetery. A luncheon will be served.

La Escalera Ranch Cemetery (Escalera Rd, Fort Stockton, TX) Map: https://tinyurl.com/2cyaea9g

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the FRAXA Research Foundation, a respected 501(c)3 organization dedicated to Fragile X research. Link: https://www.fraxa.org/donate/