Audie Gerome "Jerry" Partin

Audie Gerome "Jerry" Partin was born March 25, 1938, in Valley Creek, Tennessee. He was one of six children born from the union of Audie and Anna Mae Partin. The young family moved to Oklahoma, where Jerry's father owned a gas service station along the iconic Route 66. As a young boy, Jerry worked alongside his father, learning many lifelong skills of how to care for people and wrenching on cars. They soon returned to Kentucky where he finished his formal education at Pleasant View High School in Pleasant View, Kentucky.
Jerry married the former Ella Sue Hayes on May 25, 1959, in Piqua, Ohio. The couple settled in Toledo, Ohio in 1962 so Jerry could take a position with Greyhound as a diesel mechanic, further honing his mechanical skills by working on buses and later, on various vehicles. On November 5, 1970, the couple moved their family, blessed with the birth of a son and daughter, to LaSalle. He provided for his loved ones with employment at the Champion Spark Plug Company. Working with Research and Development, he continued his fascination with lifetime learning, receiving much on the job training and retiring after 30 years of dedication.
Jerry was a devout man of God. He displayed his love for Christ in his interaction with others. Jerry and Sue worshipped at Monroe Full Gospel Church before joining Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. At MMBC, he became an integral part of operations, serving as the video minister and overseeing the camera work to weekly broadcast church services. His contributions were not limited to video; he also managed the church's lighting and took care of the buses, ensuring everything ran smoothly for the congregation.
A master mechanic by trade, Jerry's talents were widely recognized and appreciated. His love for mechanical work was not just a profession but a passion. He helped many of his family and friends with their car troubles, offering his skills and services generously. Together, Jerry and Sue took great pride in maintaining their yard with such care and precision that it could grace the pages of a magazine.
Jerry was a man of adventure. His zest for life led him to explore 39 states on a Honda Goldwing with his beloved wife, Sue. Together, they embraced the open road. Jerry's enthusiasm for life also saw him daringly skydive once. He even held a private pilot's license, creating many unforgettable memories for his family.
Jerry's musical talents found him playing bass guitar in several gospel groups, sharing his love for music and faith with others at Stewart Road Church of God. Throughout his life, Jerry never appreciated sitting still. He truly lived a full and inspiring life.
Audie "Jerry" Partin, age 87, of LaSalle, passed away at Vibrant Life Senior Living in Temperance, on Thursday; October 30, 2025. His passing was preceded by his parents; his beloved wife: Ella Sue Partin in 2017; four siblings: Woodrow "Woody" Partin, Charlotte Partin, Betty Shiltz, and Carolyn Robinson; and his son: Jerry Lynn Partin in 2025.
To cherish his memory, he leaves a daughter: Penny Shroyer of Temperance; five grandchildren: Dennis (Amanda) Gaynier Jr. of Burkey, Ohio, Ryan Gaynier of Temperance, Brittany Partin, Jessica Partin, and Jerry "JJ" (Shirley) Partin all of Shelbyville, Kentucky; a daughter-in-law: Polly Partin also of Shelbyville; four great grandchildren: Ryitt, Jaida, Jerrica, and Jackie; a brother: Donald (Sharie) Partin; two sisters-in-law: Ruby Hayes and Nancy Hayes and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may gather from 4:00pm until 8:00pm on Friday; November 7, 2025, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. He will lie in state on Saturday; November 8, 2025, from 10:00am until 11:00am at LaSalle Missionary Baptist Church; 12845 C. Street, LaSalle, Michigan 48145. A Celebration of His Life will take place at the church at 11:00am with Pastor Joseph Baird and Pastor Roy Southerland co-officiating. A procession to LaSalle Township Cemetery will follow for burial.
The family has suggested that memorial donations be made to LaSalle Missionary Baptist Church. Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo.