Jeffrey Richard Salyer

Jeffrey Richard Salyer was born March 29, 1967 in Tyler Texas, the son of Larry and Judy Salyer. He died on January 1, 2021 in McKinney, Texas with dementia.

Jeff was born with Down syndrome yet achieved more than ever expected. Experts projected that Jeff would be trainable, but not educable. Jeff graduated from Gladewater High School in 1985 with an unrestricted diploma and was cheered by the entire graduating class. He went on to hold jobs as a window washer and custodian. Jeff had no fear of trying new things and loved all kinds of activity. He took piano lessons. He took art lessons. He learned to throw pottery and we still use his work. He enjoyed playing sports and participated in basketball, softball and bowling leagues. He was most proud of his Special Olympics soccer team. He loved speed, whether riding roller coasters, skiing downhill, or racing go-carts. He loved music and would dance, play his harmonica, or sing his heart out in public even though he couldn’t carry a tune. He never quit smiling. Jeff traveled the world with his parents but what he loved most was meeting new people and making friends wherever he went. Most important to Jeff were his family and serving God. He was never happier than when in a crowd of church people who loved him mostly because he loved them.

Jeff is survived by his parents, Larry and Judy Salyer of Anna, TX, his older sister Lisa (Andy) Burnett of McKinney, TX, sister Julie (Royden) Morgan of Houston, TX and his brother Randy (Stephanie) Salyer of Conroe, TX, plus nieces Stacey Burnett (Kelly) Finnegan, Christie Burnett, and Samantha Salyer as well as nephews Seth Salyer and Spencer Morgan.

Our world will never be the same, but Jeff would say, “Live long and prosper.”