Jerry Charles Tongate, age 87, of Early passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2015.

Funeral Services for Captain Jerry Charles Tongate will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at St. John’s Church with Father Michael Mobley officiating. Burial will follow at Heflin Cemetery with Military Honors and Masonic Services, Sammy Stewart will preside as Master. Visitation will be held Saturday evening from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home.

Mr. Tongate was born on September 25, 1927 in Brownwood to Charles and Marguerite Tongate. He graduated from Howard Payne University in 1975 and Central Texas Community College in Killen, Texas in 1978. Mr. Tongate joined the US Merchant Marine July 1945 and the Texas National Guard in 1947. He participated individually and as a rifle team member for 13 years at Camp Perry, Ohio. He retired as a Captain from the United States Army Reserve.

Mr. Tongate was also a retired Stock Farmer who was well known in the Appaloosa Horse Circle. He owned and showed two World Champion roping and cutting horses. He has been a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church since 1960. He was also a member of the Brownwood Masonic Lodge #279, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Royal Order of Scotland, Knight York Cross of Honor, Knight Commander Court of Honor, Heart of Texas College #128, and Suez Shriners where he was a member of the Oriental Band for 50 years.

He is survived by his grandson, Charles Wesley Tongate, United States Marine Corp, Josh Jeffcoat, United States Army, and Sam Jeffcoat; daughter-in-law, Tammi Tongate; brother, Burns Lance Tongate and wife Billie; nephew, Mark Tongate; nieces, Christie Tongate and Suzanne Tongate Carter; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marguerite Tongate; sons, Steven Charles Tongate and John Lance Tongate.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Shriners Hospital, or Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.