YOAKUM—Gregory Lerma, age 58, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Canyon Lake, Texas. Born on July 26, 1967, in Yoakum to Fred Gregory Lerma III and Gloria (Vera) Lerma, Greg lived a life marked by service, mentorship, and unwavering kindness.
A proud graduate of Yoakum High School, Class of 1985, Greg was a student athlete at Blinn College before earning his associate’s degree in kinesiology from Austin Community College in 2001. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sports Science from Southwest Texas University in 2002. While pursuing his education, Greg served as a teaching assistant and coach at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin for seven years, where he left a lasting impact on students and staff alike.
Greg dedicated 18 years to educating and coaching in the Wimberley, Seguin, San Marcos, and New Braunfels school districts. His passion for learning and leadership later led him to roles as an Educational Consultant for Sirius Education Solutions and most recently as a Territory Sales Manager for Boxlight.
A devout member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Canyon Lake, Greg was known for his love of cooking and grilling, fishing, and cheering on the Texas Longhorns. His enthusiasm for sports extended beyond fandom—he was an umpire in his free time and a vocal advocate for the growth of women’s professional athletics.
Greg never met a stranger. His warm personality and genuine care for others made him a beloved figure in every community he touched. He often joked with his family that he was “a big deal” after running into acquaintances in the most unlikely of places, a sentiment echoed by the countless lives he enriched. He will be remembered for his thoughtful check-ins, his generosity, and his ability to make everyone feel like family.
Greg is survived by his loving wife of two years, Katrena Michelle (Baker) Lerma of Canyon Lake; his mother, Gloria Lerma of Yoakum; daughters, Catherine Lerma of Canyon Lake and Holly Holden (Dillon) of Elysian Fields; son, Andrew Lerma (Brooke) of Canyon Lake; grandchildren, Carmen Young and Maysen Young; brothers, Frederick Lerma of Victoria and Patrick Lerma (Isabel) of Houston; and numerous extended family and cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Lerma III, who passed away on October 20, 2024.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home beginning at 4:30 p.m., with the Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. Burial will follow at Yoakum Restland Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Jeremy Fikac, Adam Gomez, Jacob Gomez, Jeff Felton, Michael Eckert, and Joseph “Poochy” Kridler. Honorary pallbearers are all of Greg’s cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Angels and Arc Angels Program, P.O. Box 312033, New Braunfels, Texas 78131, in honor of Greg’s lifelong dedication to youth sports and umpiring.