Jerome James "Top" Heyer

MUNCIE – Jerome James Heyer, "Top", 83, passed away peacefully at 12:25 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital after a month-long battle against multiple acute and chronic illnesses. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on August 17, 1942, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the son of Anna Mae Ward, and upon graduating high school, he immediately enlisted into the US Marine Corps and served his country honorably for 23 years, retiring in 1984 as a Master Sergeant. He was a proud Vietnam veteran and received the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal after a 13-month deployment. He married Linda K. Montoya on February 1, 1979.

After his retirement from the US Marine Corps, he worked for Muncie Community Schools as the JROTC Military Instructor at Muncie Southside High School until his retirement in 2003. Jerry is often referred to as a Southside legend, known for mentoring hundreds of students during his 19-year tenure there, and his memory will live on in all of the lives he successfully impacted.

Although Jerry liked to portray the "big, bad, Marine" persona, he had the kindest and gentlest heart with great compassion for all people and animals. He had a very special bond with his sweet little dachshund, Casper. His effortlessly witty and dry sense of humor was adored by all.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Linda K. Heyer; three daughters, Mechelle Peckham (husband, Garth), Melissa Thornburg (husband, Marc) and Amber Heyer; four grandchildren, Krysti Peckham, Avery Peckham (wife, Ariel), Caitlyn Thornburg and Hailey Thornburg; four great-grandchildren, Jayden, Braeson, Emery and Myles; one brother, Mike Heyer; and two sisters, Patricia Moore (husband, Mike) and Tanit Langley.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Mae Ward and one sister, Sandra Heyer.

Jerry held all medical professionals, and especially nurses, to the highest regard, and in his final moments referred to everyone that cared for him as "angels." On behalf of Jerry, his family would like to thank the IU Health Ball Acute Rehab Unit (Amber, Bob, Deidra, Heather, Sherry, Brittany, Kerri, Kylie, Madison, Megan, Connor), the Intensive Care Unit (Nikole, Brian, Rylee, Donna) and the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit (Cindy, Shawnda, Chrissy, Janelle, Miranda) for all of their assistance and compassion throughout his hospitalization.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 7901 W. Isanogel Road, Muncie, with his daughter, Amber Heyer, officiating. Full military honors will be provided by The United States Marine Corps. Cremation will take place following services.

Family and friends may call at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 7901 W. Isanogel Road, Muncie, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025 or one hour prior to services on Saturday.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA, 22172 or online at https://secure.toysfortots.org/a/donatetoday.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.