PENDLETON
Jerry L. Thompson, 82, of Pendleton, passed away peacefully at home on June 29, 2021, following an extended illness.
He was born on January 2, 1939, in Fortville, IN, the son of William Anthony “Tony” and Doris Jane (Smith) Thompson.
Upon Jerry’s graduation from Pendleton High School in 1957, he served in the United States Navy for two years.
Jerry earned an Associates Degree in engineering from Lane Technical School in Indianapolis.
Early in his career, he was a building contractor and had built many homes in the area. Jerry worked at Nicholson File for over 16 years and worked hard to achieve the position of Plant Engineer prior to the company relocating to Alabama.
After choosing not to relocate his family, Jerry began a new career at Delco-Remy as a Battery Process Engineer which required him to travel to battery plants throughout the world.
He enjoyed spending time outside their home in Pendleton in the summertime.
After retiring from Delco-Remy/Delphi after more than 22 years, he and his wife, Linda, purchased a lovely home in Sarasota, Florida where they enjoyed spending 18 winters until his declining health.
By residing in both Indiana and Florida, he always stated that he had the best of both worlds. Jerry simply loved warm weather.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife whom he married, February 13, 1972, Linda (Merritt) Thompson; sons, Jerry Brent (Debbie) Thompson, Greg (Leona) Thompson, Jeff (Joy) Thompson, and Tim (Amy) Thompson; granddaughters, Kari (Marty) Tabor, Kelli (Blaire) Allen, Stephanie, Andrea, Dorian, and Elizabeth; five great-grandchildren with one on the way; brother-in-law, Gary (Bonnie) Merritt; special double cousin, Jack Smith; and faithful fur companion, Duffy.
He was preceded in death by his parents and father and mother-in-law, Tobe and Lucille Merritt.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Molly (Smith) Schueller for all of the wonderful care and dedication she provided during Jerry’s illness.
Also, Community Network Hospice and all of the dedicated visiting nurses and therapists that assisted during this time.
Visitation will be held at Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory, 200 West 53rd Street, Anderson, IN, 46013, on Friday, July 2, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Services will be at the funeral home on Friday, at 1:00 p.m. with Chaplain Rob Mifflin officiating.
Burial will take place at Miller Cemetery, Middletown.