In Memoriam

Reverend Jerry Robert Tompkins, a former president of Presbyterian Children’s Home and Service Agency (PCHSA), one of the predecessor agencies to Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS), passed away in December at the age of 91. He will be fondly remembered for his ministry, scholarship and leadership, especially by his PCHAS family.  

In 1980 Jerry became president of Presbyterian Children’s Home and Service Agency in Itasca, TX. He led the agency for 16 years, oversaw the relocation of its offices to Austin and initiated new programs across the state. During his administration, the agency created a bilingual program, near the southern border, to preserve families. In 1988 it opened Crockett House for “latch-key” middle schoolers in Beaumont, east of Houston. PCHSA had operated a boys’ home in San Antonio since 1976. Jerry added a girls’ home there in 1993. Closer to Dallas, he established the Duncanville group home for 12 girls in 1996.

In 1990, the Agency opened a home in College Station for former residents pursuing higher education. This was the beginning of our current advanced education services.

For several years Jerry was the Trust Protector of the Jean Kindle Estate which provided PCHAS with a significant donation. A native of Dallas, he served as a pastor in Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. In 1973 his alma mater, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, hired him as vice president. He is also remembered as a writer and editor. 

“Jerry was a caring leader during a time of growth for the agency,” shared David Thompson, president, “and he positively impacted the lives of countless children and families. For 16 years under Jerry’s leadership, the agency shepherded children in foster care and young adults leaving foster care. We at PCHAS are grateful for his compassionate leadership.”

We give thanks for the life and ministry of Jerry Tompkins, whose memorial service was held Wednesday at Westminster, a retirement community in Austin. Jerry is survived by his wife, Marcia Davis Tompkins, two daughters and a son.