Gerald Olen "Jerry" Persinger Jr.

Gerald Olen "Jerry" Persinger, Jr., age 89, of Marion, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Marion General Hospital. Born on November 29, 1935, to the late Gerald Sr. and Donna Ruth (Turner) Persinger, Jerry was a lifelong resident of Marion. Even as a child, Jerry had an enterprising spirit. He would ride through town on his bicycle, selling ice cream off the back to eager neighborhood kids-a small but memorable start to his lifelong love of adventure. Jerry's was a proud graduate of the first class at Marion Harding High School, where his passion for music shone brightly. As a talented musician in the school orchestra, Jerry not only mastered his craft but also caught the eye of Annabelle Fay Showalter. Their love story began in those early years and led to a beautiful marriage on June 27, 1954. Annabell preceded Jerry in death on May 13, 2011. Following high school, Jerry honorably served his country in the United States Air Force and was able to use his musical gifts in the Officer's Club. After his service, he returned home to Marion, where he dedicated himself to raising his family. He worked for many years as a milk and bread delivery man, sold insurance, and retired from the Marion Correctional Institution. A man of faith, Jerry was a former member of Victory Center Church of God and also sang in the Lordsmen Quartet. Music and art were the heart of Jerry's soul. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, he could often be found playing his guitar, violin, or any stringed instrument he could get his hands on. His creative spirit extended beyond music-he was a woodburning artist and an exceptional painter and drawler. When he wasn't creating, he found freedom on the open road, riding motorcycles-a passion that once earned him a Harley-Davidson in a contest. Jerry is survived by his children, Pam (Stuart) Harris and Jeriann (Terry) Martin; grandchildren, Joshua (Lindsay) Cocherl, McKinzie (David) Warmus, Karli Harris, Marissa (Danny) O'Connor, and Ashley (David) Ketring; great-grandchildren, Kameron, Haillie, Bryson, Tucker, Declan, Laz, Legend, Emani, David, Addilyn, and Parker; siblings, Ruth Ann Stewart, Tom (Diane) Persinger, and Kenny Persinger, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his grandson, Ethan Harris; and brother Larry Persinger. Visitation will be held at Snyder Funeral Homes, Gunder/Hall Chapel (347 West Center St.) on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 4 until 7. A funeral will be held at 12 noon on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in The Historic Marion Cemetery with Military Honors provided by The Marion County United Veterans Council. Snyder Funeral Home, Gunder/Hall Chapel is honored to serve Jerry's family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald Olen 'Jerry' Persinger Jr., please visit our floral store.