Obituary for Jearld Eugene Tew Sr.
Jearld Eugene Tew Sr., 85, of Milton, Florida, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, April 29, 2023. After a long illness, he passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife, brother, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many of his friends and family called him “Gene”.
Jearld was born to Valiant and Aileen Tew on July 30,1937 at Esto, Florida. Jearld was the oldest of five brothers and a sister: Grace, Henry, Charles, Jimmy, Johnny. He met the love of his life, Eleanor “Ellie” Garlanger, at a skating ring near Orlando in 1956. He insisted she get her high school diploma before they wed in 1959. They spent almost 64 years together and had five children, three boys and two girls.
Jearld made a living as a Printer with the Orlando Sentinel, the Tampa Tribune, and Pace Printing. He also had a position with Anamosa State Penitentiary as a corrections officer for several years. His children have fond memories of waving at him while he was on duty in the tower at the prison.
Music is a family affair at the Tew house. What started out as a hobby turned into something the whole family enjoyed. Jearld had some knowledge of music theory and an ability to play various instruments. He shared this musical ability with his children and eventually started the Tew Family Band. Throughout the late 70’s and 80’s, the Tew Family Band toured in Iowa, Texas, Alabama, and Florida performing at veterans’ hospitals, care centers, wedding, family reunions and county fairs. He encouraged them to have a lifelong passion for music.
Jearld was a skilled gardener and knew more about planting and growing than the Farmer’s Almanac. His homemade soup was the best EVER! Jearld had many interests: farming, music, photography, home improvement, electrical, medicine, history, science, politics, computers, cooking. You name it, he knew about it.
He is preceded in death by both of his parents; his brothers: Jimmy, Henry, Charles; sister, Grace; and son, Michael.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ellie; children: Jearld Jr and wife Carla of Wisconsin, Robert and his wife Crystal of Tennessee, Lisa and her husband Tim, Pam and her husband David of Milton; along with eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at the Bagdad Cemetery at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Pastor Jim Waters will officiate.
Trahan Family Funeral Home of Milton is in charge of arrangements.
Gene left a legacy that will reach into generations to come. He was blessed!
Jearld was born to Valiant and Aileen Tew on July 30,1937 at Esto, Florida. Jearld was the oldest of five brothers and a sister: Grace, Henry, Charles, Jimmy, Johnny. He met the love of his life, Eleanor “Ellie” Garlanger, at a skating ring near Orlando in 1956. He insisted she get her high school diploma before they wed in 1959. They spent almost 64 years together and had five children, three boys and two girls.
Jearld made a living as a Printer with the Orlando Sentinel, the Tampa Tribune, and Pace Printing. He also had a position with Anamosa State Penitentiary as a corrections officer for several years. His children have fond memories of waving at him while he was on duty in the tower at the prison.
Music is a family affair at the Tew house. What started out as a hobby turned into something the whole family enjoyed. Jearld had some knowledge of music theory and an ability to play various instruments. He shared this musical ability with his children and eventually started the Tew Family Band. Throughout the late 70’s and 80’s, the Tew Family Band toured in Iowa, Texas, Alabama, and Florida performing at veterans’ hospitals, care centers, wedding, family reunions and county fairs. He encouraged them to have a lifelong passion for music.
Jearld was a skilled gardener and knew more about planting and growing than the Farmer’s Almanac. His homemade soup was the best EVER! Jearld had many interests: farming, music, photography, home improvement, electrical, medicine, history, science, politics, computers, cooking. You name it, he knew about it.
He is preceded in death by both of his parents; his brothers: Jimmy, Henry, Charles; sister, Grace; and son, Michael.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ellie; children: Jearld Jr and wife Carla of Wisconsin, Robert and his wife Crystal of Tennessee, Lisa and her husband Tim, Pam and her husband David of Milton; along with eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at the Bagdad Cemetery at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Pastor Jim Waters will officiate.
Trahan Family Funeral Home of Milton is in charge of arrangements.
Gene left a legacy that will reach into generations to come. He was blessed!