Jerry Rolla Hancock was born on August 14, 1937, in Waynesville, Missouri to Rolla and Ruth Hancock. Jerry and his family moved to Ceres in 1938. Jerry graduated from Ceres High School in 1955. Jerry joined the United States Army and served overseas in Korea. After his military service was complete, Jerry returned to Ceres and went to work for his father at Hancock’s Garage on Fifth Street. On November 9, 1963, Jerry married Deanna Cole and was blessed with three daughters, Marla, Kim, and Jeri Lynn. In 1978, Jerry took over his father’s business and opened Hancock’s Farm Repair on Moore Road.

Jerry loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jerry also loved fishing, playing softball, watching old westerns, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Jerry served for 36 years on the Ceres Fire Protection District Board, the Ceres Lions Club and was named “Lion of the Year” for 1994-95. Jerry also was a member of the Old Fisherman’s Club in Modesto.

Jerry is survived by his brother, Bob Hancock; three daughters, Marla Lomeli, Kim (Tom) Presson and Jeri (Mike) McCarthy; his sister-in-law, Linda Groves; his grandchildren, T.J. (Megan) Presson, Bret (Jessica) Presson, Justin (Jenn) Lomeli, Andres (Cierra) Lomeli and Malynda Lomeli; seven great-grandchildren, Tommy Presson, Clara Presson, Ava Presson, Emma Presson, Livie Presson, Amelia Lomeli and Maya Lomeli; and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Deanna Hancock, parents Rolla and Ruth Hancock, brother Phil Hancock and son-in-law Jaime Lomeli.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 21 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Lakewood Memorial Park.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, July 22, at 1 p.m., at Lakewood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s name can be made to the Alexander Cohen Hospice House, 2201 Euclid Avenue, Hughson, CA 95326.