Jerry Devon Dawalt Jerry Devon Dawalt, of Warsaw, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne at the age of 84.
He was born on March 7, 1937, in Plymouth. 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 Nov. 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 Dec. 14, 2004.
Jerry was a 1955 graduate of Etna Green High School in Etna Green. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served from Aug. 17, 1960, until his honorable discharge on Aug. 16, 1962. He was a reservist for an additional four years until his termination date of reserve obligation of Aug. 16, 1966.
Jerry was a jack of all trades and was never afraid of a hard day’s 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.
Jerry was a 56-year member of the American Legion Post 424 in Bourbon, where he was honored to serve as the commander from 1970-1972, as well as from 2008-2014. He 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; Dara Howard, Warsaw; Angela (Doug) Reed, Oswego; and Jody Yeazel, Syracuse. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren: Devin, Deanna, Deacon, Adam, Andrea, Alex, Laine, Bruce, James, Alexis and Tara; five great-grandchildren; two sisters: Mary Ann (Stephen) Stine, Etna Green; Peggy (Ruben) Conley, Etna Green; 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 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Jerry’s life will be celebrated immediately following visitation at 7 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.
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Memorial donations may be directed to go toward his funeral expenses at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, IN 46580 and would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
