JESSIE RAY PEREZ

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Dawson County Sheriff Deputy Jessie Ray Perez age 42 of O’Donnell, TX. will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the O’Donnell High School Gymnasium located at 400 Small Street with Pastors Lee Gamez and Taylor Wood officiating. The burial committal will follow to the O’Donnell Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the trusted care and direction of Gonzales Funeral Home. The viewing will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Gonzales Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. together with a Rosary prayer service. He was born on January 24, 1983, in Richmond, TX. Jessie married Linda Sue Garza on June 18, 2011, in Tahoka, TX. Jessie was preceded in death by his father, Florenzio Perez; brother-in-law, Mack Garza; both maternal grandparents, Santos and Simona Gutierrez; both paternal grandparents, Jose and Victoria Perez; uncles, Ramon Perez and Domingo Perez, and Charlie Tenberg. Jessie Perez passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Lamesa, Texas following a traffic accident while on duty for the Dawson County Sheriff's office. Jessie was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, loving son, and brother whose greatest joy in life was his family. A dedicated member of the community, Jessie, recently began a new chapter in his life serving with the Dawson County Sheriff's Department for the past 8 months. Jessie was also active as an O’Donnell volunteer Fire-fighter and was currently an elected public official serving as Councilmember for the City of O’Donnell City Council. In that short time, he earned the respect and admiration of his fellow officers and those he served. Remembered for his integrity, kindness and unwavering sense of duty. While Jessie loved many things in life, nothing lit up his world more than his grandson Zephaniah. Jessie’s face would brighten the moment Zephaniah entered the room. Being a grandfather brought him profound joy, and he embraced that role with the same wholehearted devotion he gave to everything else. Jessie’s life was defined by love as he gave to those around him. His strength, warmth, and humor will be deeply missed by all that knew him. Jessie is survived by his loving family, his wife, Linda Sue Perez of O’Donnell, TX.; his daughters, Mackenzie Perez, Zoey Vargas, both of O’Donnell, TX., and Shelby Vargas (Branson) of Tahoka, TX.; his son, Fabian Vargas of O’Donnell, TX.; his beloved grandson, Zephaniah Vargas; his mother, Gracie Perez of O’Donnell, TX.; his brothers, Julian Gutierrez (Miranda), and Bobby Perez, all of O’Donnell, TX.; his sister, Rosalinda Johnson (Demond) of Tahoka, TX., who will each carry his memory in their hearts forever; also numerous relatives and friends. In honor of Jessie’s service and sacrifice, the community mourns not only a brave officer, but a man whose life was grounded in love, courage, and compassion.

Tributes

JESSIE RAY PEREZ

January 24, 1983 - April 22, 2025