Gerald "Jerry" Francis Delks

Gerald Francis Delks “Jerry”, 90, of Indianapolis, passed away December 11th, 2020. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on March 31st, 1930, to parents the late Francis P. and Julia C. (Geisel) Delks.

He graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School in Indianapolis. Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Navy from February 1951 until he was honorably discharged in January 1955. He served as an Aviation Boatswain Airman on the USS Salerno Bay and the USS Valley Forge. He then went on to continue his education, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Business from Indiana University.

On January 1st, 1952, Jerry married the love of his life, Merry C. Harris. They spent 61 wonderful years together. Merry passed away April 23rd, 2013.

Jerry was very loyal and dedicated to his profession. He was a sales representative working for Spotnails and Marcraft Corporation his entire career spanning almost 50 years before he finally retired. He began his career in Louisville, then back to Indianapolis, then on to Elkhart, IN where he lived for 46 years.

As an avid “scratch” golfer, Jerry loved the game, appreciated the life lessons it taught and cherished the many friendships he acquired beginning in high school. If he wasn’t playing the game, he was either watching it, reading about it, or making the next generation of golf clubs in his garage.

Jerry also adored his family and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a very “unique” bond with each grandchild. He always found a way to make them laugh and bring joy into their lives. He was a loving, generous, strong willed, determined and hardworking man always wanting to help others. He will be sorely missed by family members and his many friends.

Jerry is survived by his children Julie (Mark) Campbell, Laurie (Francis) Yonkers, Steven (Stacie) Delks, Richard (Betsy) Delks, and Angie (Brock) Weaver; grandchildren Tyler, Colin, Carson, Leland, Nolen, Rylee, Brittany, Courtney, Emily, Allison, Adam, Bryce, and Brandon; great-grandchildren Coen and Clayton; and his sister Patricia “Aunt Patty” Delks.

Besides his parents, Jerry is preceded in death by his loving wife, Merry and his son David Delks.

Visitation will be Friday, January 8th, 2021, from 12:00pm to 1pm at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East. His service for family and close friends will begin at 1pm. Jerry will be laid to rest at Washington Park East Cemetery.

If you would like to attend Jerry’s funeral service virtually, please use this link  as the service will be live streamed on January 8th, 2021, at 1pm.

Please consider making a donation to The Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart  (Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart, PO Box 1538, Elkhart, IN 46515) in Jerry’s honor.