Jerry Ray Darling

Jerry R. Darling, 83, joined his Father, Mendal & Mother, Elizabeth, among many other loved ones and friends who greeted him in Heaven. Two years ago, Jerry was diagnosed with Myxofibrosarcoma-a rare soft tissue cancer. This past April, the cancer returned aggressively. It was recommended that his right arm be amputated and for a tool and die man as well as a master gardener....well, that was not an option! The family understood his decision, however, selfishly wanted more time with him. The family too accepted his diagnosis and tried to make the last days of his life comfortable and full of visitors.

Jerry at an early age developed a strong work ethic. Jerry was 11 when his father passed away and during this time it was necessary to help the household in the way of income. There was a time he held four jobs at the same time..he helped the milk man deliver milk, washed dishes at a restaurant, had a paper route, and mowed lawns. Jerry was one of the first to purchase a "gas powered" lawn mower in the community.

Upon graduation from Wilkinson High School, Jerry started training as a tool and die skilled tradesman. At the age of 19 Jerry married the love of his life, Rose Marie Trout. Their beginning was humble but full of love. They set up house in a 15 foot trailer where Rose did laundry in the bathtub and they survived on meager wages. In 1961 they built the home where they still reside.

Jerry retired from Delphi/General Motors in 2000 after 44 years as a skilled worker. Jerry prided himself on his incredible knife making skills and working "the best damn garden in Hancock County." Jerry could make anything, and after retirement was contracted many times by job shops to work for them. The days of his retirement were spent sitting on his back patio watching his garden grow, flea market expeditions and meticulously push mowing his yard up until this last season, washing his truck, thinking up jokes to tell at the next family gathering and enjoying Rose's amazing meals. Jerry was an avid Indiana Pacers fan and rarely missed a game. He loved Indiana (IU & Butler) Basketball as well as the Colts. Jerry too collected yardsticks and ink pens from events such as the Indiana State Fair as well as the Home & Garden shows! Jerry & Rose loved the Indiana State Fair. Michelle & Sheree will miss attending the fair and following the route blazed by Jerry and Rose! A corn dog at 9:00 am followed by a Lemon Shake Up and a day of fun and laughter. Jerry took great pride in his garden's harvest and shared his home grown produce with many people as this brought him much joy. Another one of his favorite things to do was grow pumpkins for all the kiddos in the family. Oh, what sweet memories the family will cherish and hold dear.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rose Marie Trout Darling; daughters, Michelle (Dave) Sylvester & Sheree (Scott) Stuart; grandchildren, Ambra (Kenny) Heiden, Jon Hedrick, Paige (Gavin) Shipley, Clay Sylvester, & Sam Hedrick/Taylor Hall; great-grandchildren, Dee Heiden, Elliott & Delaney Hedrick, & Tia Shipley; step-grandchildren, Braxton (Sarah) Stuart & Torey Stuart; step great-grandchildren, Spencer, Sawyer, & Lillian Stuart; siblings, Jeannine Campbell, Bill (Diana) Darling, and Lisa (Steve) Smith; and several nieces & nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Mendal Darling; mother, Elizabeth Long; granddaughter, Hope Sue Hedrick; and grandparents, Lawrence & Gladys Johns.

Services will be at 1:00 pm Thursday, August 12 at Condo & St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory. Visitation will be from 11 am until the time of services.
Jerry will be laid to rest at McCray Cemetery in Wilkinson. Jerry made the request that all dress in casual attire, preferably blue jeans, because he will be at the pearly gates in blue jeans and a plaid shirt!

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. https://donate3.cancer.org/?campaign=tributes1