Jerry Hamman

KENDALLVILLE - Jerry L. Hamman, 84, of Kendallville, Indiana, died on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

He was born July 26, 1941, in Hamilton, Franklin Township, DeKalb County, Indiana, to Walter and Dorothy (Leason) Hamman.

On Sept. 24, 1960, in Butler, Indiana, he married Ruth Ann Schoonover. Jerry and Ruth shared 64 beautiful years of marriage, filled with laughter, devotion, and countless memories. Though Ruth passed away on April 15, 2025, Jerry honored their 65th anniversary in a way that spoke volumes about enduring love. He brought a cake to the cemetery, choosing to spend the day in peaceful reflection beside Ruth, celebrating not just the years they had together, but the bond that lived on.

Mr. Hamman had worked as a supervisor and plant manager at Hendrickson in Kendallville. He had also worked at LML Industries and Arden Corp.

He attended the Church of Christ in South Milford.

Jerry was a man of quiet strength, steady hands, and a heart full of generosity. Alongside his beloved wife Ruth, he coached softball and proudly supported the East Noble Show Choir. He found joy in simple pleasures, playing euchre at the Noble County Council on Aging, calling out Bingo numbers with a smile, casting a line while fishing, and tending the garden with care. "Hamman Grams", cards and letters sent to friends and family, were a warm reminder that someone was thinking of you.

Jerry took great pride in honoring his heritage, meticulously cleaning family headstones at Eddy Cemetery. Many had faded with time, but under his touch, they were restored to near-new. Known as "Mr. Fix-it," Jerry could repair just about anything. One of his recent projects, a rebuilt bench, brought him immense joy.

Jerry was very proud of the fact that several of his family members served in all branches of the military and as first responders.

Surviving are his children, Steve (Anne) Hamman, Ronald (Nora) Hamman, Scott (Evelyn) Hamman, Susan (Tim) Kahler and Jenny (Cody) States; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild who is due in January, 2026; his cat, Blackie III; a brother, Wayne D. Hamman, of Kansas City, Kansas; and a sister, Lana High, of Butler.

He was also preceded in death by two grandchildren; his beloved cats, Blackie I, who was 18 years old, and Blackie II, who was 22 years old. Many of the cherished family pets are buried at Pet Rest Memorial Park in Ossian.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 S. State St., Kendallville.

Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation at 12:30 p.m., at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Eddy Cemetery near Hamilton.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Hope Lodge, 1795 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260.

View a video tribute after Tuesday, or share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com.