Jerral Richard Fannin, 87 of DeKalb, went to be with the Lord in the early morning of Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at his home.
He was born in Old Salem, TX August 9, 1935 to S.R. and Eathlene (Moore) Fannin. Richard graduated from New Boston High School and served in the Lone Star National Guard with the 49th Armored Division and the 117th Armored Medical Battalion. He married his high school sweetheart Iva Nell Cavin in 1956 and settled in DeKalb, where they lived the remainder of their lives.
Richard served as President of Fannin Farms Inc. since 1966, a board member for DeKalb ISD, a board member for Dairy Farmers of America, and Board Member of North Texas Production Credit Association. He also served as the Choir Leader for Malta Baptist Church in Malta, TX for a time. Richard, Papaw to his many grandchildren, was a farmer by trade and could lighten the room with his humor (or lack thereof). He enjoyed taking trips to Broken Bow, OK or various other destinations in the United States with his wife and grandchildren, bringing back many unintentionally hilarious stories of his mishaps.
He is preceded in death, in addition to his parents, his wife, Iva Nell (Cavin) Fannin, his brother Paul Fannin, his son Cavin Richard Fannin and his sisters-in-law Caroline and LaJuan Fannin.
Richard is Survived by his brothers: Charles Fannin of San Antonio, TX, David Fannin of Maud, TX, and Samuel and Cindy Fannin of Malta, TX, sister-in-law Paula Fannin (New Boston, TX), and brother-in-law Mike Cavin (New Boston, TX); his sons and daughter-in-law: Gary Len and Kelli (Foster) Fannin, Timothy Edward Fannin, and Michelle (Reed) Fannin (DeKalb, TX); his Grandchildren and in-laws: Joshua and Brittney (Fannin) Vera, Cavin Reed Fannin, Micah and Carrie (Barnes) Fannin, Westin and Candice (Barnes) Fannin, Winston and Railey (Fannin) Tanner (DeKalb, TX), Foster Fannin (New Boston, TX), Grant Fannin (Nashville, TN), and Rachel Fannin (Austin, TX); and his great-grandchildren Aiden, Connor, and Avery Vera, Ella May Fannin, Audrey Fannin, Maddox Fannin, and Harley Tanner; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life was held at 2:30 P.M. Sunday, April 16, 2023 at First Baptist Church of DeKalb with Rev. James Sparks and Rev. James. Boyd Strain officiating. Interment will be at Woodman Cemetery, DeKalb.
Visitation was held 1:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Sunday, April 16, 2023 at First Baptist Church in De Kalb, Texas.
Online registration at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.
