Jerry Devon Dawalt

Jerry Devon Dawalt of Warsaw, Indiana passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne, Indiana at the age of 84.

He was born on March 7, 1937 in Plymouth, Indiana.  Jerry was one of four children born to Madeline Marie (Pfeiffer) Dawalt and Murl Albert Dawalt.  He married the love of his life, Judy Kay Sparrow on November 28, 1970.  Together they raised five daughters, shared the joy of becoming grandparents, and celebrating so many lifetime events throughout their 34 years of marriage together before she passed away on December 14, 2004.

Jerry was a 1955 graduate of Etna Green High School in Etna Green, Indiana.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served from August 17, 1960 until his honorable discharge on August 16, 1962.  He was a reservist for an additional four years until his termination date of reserve obligation of August 16, 1966.

Jerry was a jack of all trades and was never afraid of hard days work.  He had a keen mind, great hands and had a knack for detail working as a diesel mechanic.  He dedicated 21 years working at J & M Gravel in Etna Green, Indiana.   

Jerry was a 56-year member of the American Legion Post 424 in Bourbon, Indiana where he was honored to serve as the Commander from 1970-1972 as well as from 2008-2014.  He had had the utmost respect for and dearly loved spending time with his fellow Legion members.  For many years he volunteered his time performing graveside military rites to honor a fellow fallen soldier.  He was also a member of the 40 & 8 of Marshall County. 

Jerry never knew a stranger and loved chewing the fat with whomever was sitting next to him.  He loved being outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.  Jerry loved to get outside to search for his beloved mushrooms and usually came back home with an arm full.  He always had a twinkle in his eye, a mischievous smile, always willing to lend a helping hand, and he truly loved making others happy.  Jerry especially loved his family and grandchildren.  His heart was big enough to love everyone and his arms gave the strongest and most comforting hugs that will be forever missed.     

He will be lovingly remembered by his four daughters:  Sandra (Ken) Kidder (Fort Wayne, Indiana); Dara Howard (Warsaw, Indiana); Angela (Doug) Reed (Oswego, Indiana); and Jody Yeazel (Syracuse, Indiana).  Also surviving are eleven grandchildren:  Devin, Deanna, Deacon, Adam, Andrea, Alex, Laine, Bruce, James, Alexis and Tara; five great-grandchildren; two sisters:  Mary Ann (Stephen) Stine (Etna Green, Indiana); Peggy (Ruben) Conley (Etna Green, Indiana); and his brother:  Carl (Donna) Dawalt (Enon, Ohio).  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Judy Dawalt, infant sister, Marlene, daughter, Kelly Jefferson in 2012 and his son-in-law, Brent Howard in 2018.             

Visitation will be held from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.  Jerry’s life will be celebrated immediately following visitation at 7:00 p.m. and officiated by Pastor Jamy Gregory.  Military rites will be conducted by active members of the Army Honor Guard and members of the American Legion Post 424 of Bourbon.  Jerry will be laid to rest next to his wife Judy at a later date at Etna Green Cemetery, Etna Green, Indiana. 

Memorial donations may be directed to go towards his funeral expenses at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana  46580 and would be appreciated by the family. 

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