Jerome "Jerry" Hoskins

The Reverend Jerome "Jerry" Hoskins, born on September 30, 1944, in Bell County, Kentucky, to Morris Neal and Nellie (Hampton) Hoskins, passed away on January 3, 2025, at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City, Indiana. He was a remarkable individual, whose laugh, and love will be remembered by his loving family.

In the early part of his life, Jerry was a member of the United States Army. Once being honorably discharged, Jerry spent part of his career as a union leader at Big Boy Products in Warsaw, where he was a dedicated advocate for his colleagues. Jerry's passion for service did not stop there; he later became an ordained minister, and he was a long-time member of Full Gospel Tabernacle. He loved to share his faith and uplift those around him.

In his personal life, Jerry was a loving husband to his wife, Joyce (Wadkins), whom he married on January 18, 1986. Together, they shared more than thirty-eight years of marriage, raising a family grounded in love and respect. Jerry took great joy in talking with his friends and family on the phone, always eager to hear about his grandchildren.

Jerry was known to bring music into the lives of his family and church family, often playing the acoustic guitar, a talent that brought joy to those who listened. He shared many happy moments with his loved ones while strumming along to his favorite tunes. In addition to his musical inclinations, he had a passion for Kawasaki motorcycles, which he enjoyed riding as a younger man, until his health prevented him from doing so.

The loving memory of Rev. Jerry Hoskins will be forever cherished by his wife, Joyce Hoskins, North Manchester; children, Melinda Hodges, Warsaw, James (Clistie) Hoskins, Warsaw, Melisa “Missy” (Don) Stevens, North Manchester, Troy (Janine) Hoskins, Warsaw, and David Hoskins, Washington D.C.; stepchildren, Shawn (Mike) Hughes, Columbia City, Stacey (Roy) Shepherd, Claypool, and Benny (Michelle) Bragg II, Sandy Beach; twenty-one grandchildren; and forty-six great-grandchildren. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles Lisenbee, James Hoskins, Paul Hoskins, Billie Hoskins, and Bobbie Hampton; and sister, Mary Morrisetta White. 

Family and friends may call Monday, January 6, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 12:00 noon, with calling beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Full Gospel Tabernacle Church, 250 North Main Street, Claypool, Indiana 46510, with Pastor John Dotson officiating. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery, Claypool, Indiana. 

The family of Jerome “Jerry” Hoskins has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.