Gerald "Jerry" D. Gravatt

Gerald D. Gravatt (Jerry), 92, of Indianapolis, IN passed away on November 13, 2021.

Jerry was born in Osage County, Kansas on May 30, 1929. He grew up and attended school in Emporia, Kansas. He has been married to his wife, Jean, of Admire, Kansas for 68 years.

He joined the US Army in June 1947 and was a decorated veteran with 21 years of service to his country. Jerry spent the majority of his service in Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and completed two tours in Korea and one in Okinawa, Japan. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service in Okinawa. He completed tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in an enemy ambush when he was returning from a mission. He was awarded the Bronze Star and his second oak leaf cluster on the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism during his time in Vietnam. He was awarded the Legion of Merit as the non-commission officer in charge of EOD in supporting the Secret Service at the 1968 Democratic National Convention, a Presidential Unit Citation for his service in Korea, a Presidential Meritorious Unit Citation for his service in Vietnam, and many other service awards.  Jerry was a Master Sergeant (E-8) on retirement.

Jerry retired from the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration as part of the U.S. Department of Labor after 20 years of service. After retirement, he served as a member of the Indiana Governor’s Occupational Safety Standards Commission.

He was involved in the Pike Lions Club for more than 30 years. He enjoyed gardening and loved sharing his vegetables with people all over town. His hobbies included golf, antique tractors and spending time with his family. Jerry’s loyalties were God, Family and Country. He was the greatest role model for his children, grandchildren and friends and respected by all.

Jerry is preceded in death by his mother, his brother Jack, sister Joyce and daughters Diana and Susie.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Wanda Jean Gravatt, son Bill Gravatt (Cindy), daughter Debbie Donahue (Bob), grandchildren Ryan Witt, Abbey Lindlof (John), Elizabeth Hall (John), Katie Dirks (Chad), Riley Gravatt, Austin Donahue, Cody Donahue (Izzy) and three great grandchildren.  Memorials may be given to the Pike Lions Club or a charitable organization of choice.

The family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to the staff at St Vincent Hospital and the caregivers at Ascension St Vincent Hospice.

Visitation will be held at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler W. Drive on Thursday, November 18^th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm with a Lion’s Club Memorial Service at 6 pm.  On Friday, November 19^th there will be one hour of visitation from 11 am to 12 pm with the Funeral Services beginning at Noon.