Jerry Mays

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry L. Mays, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, who was born on August 25, 1941, in Elwood, Indiana. Jerry, a devoted man of faith, was a former member of Harmony Christian Church in Leisure and later attended St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. He was a 1959 graduate of Frankton High School and attended Purdue Agricultural courses. His dedication to his family, his lifelong work as a farmer, and his love for the outdoors were the bedrock of his life.

Jerry was a dedicated farmer (which he passed on to his son Steve) and worked in auto manufacturing with Delco Remy in Anderson, Indiana, until his retirement. He was renowned for his unwavering work ethic and his supportive nature. His love for the outdoors was infectious; whether he was fishing, working in the garden, or tinkering around the farm, Jerry was happiest when he was outside. After his retirement, he enjoyed going to his winter home in Okeechobee, Florida, to fish for crappie and to visit with lifelong friends. He was a life member of the Elwood Elks, a testament to his love for community and fellowship.

Jerry had a tremendous sense of humor and his laughter was as contagious as his love for life. His greatest joys were his wife, Gloria, to whom he was married on November 2, 1963, and their two children, Steve (Angie) Mays and Teresa (Mike) Perez both of Elwood; grandchildren, Lyndsey (Austin) Stevens, Taylor Hembree (Trevor Delaney), Denver (Leah) Mays, Hillary (Eric) Deitchman, Allison (Jonathon) Beaverson, Tyler (Brooklyn) Shannon and Trevor Shannon; 15 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Jay McRoberts; nephews and nieces, Mike Mays, Jodi Jones, Lisa Hansen, Marty Mays, Ted Smith, Michael McRoberts, Jeannie K. Stewart, Michael Stewart, Christopher McRoberts, Ja-Ann Collins, Kerri Bambrough, and John Paul McRoberts; and his faithful dog Buddy.

His love for his family was evident in everything he did, from his dedicated work to provide for them to the times he spent with his grandchildren, whom he adored. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Denver and Netina Mays, brother Austin Mays, twin brother Joe Mays, and sisters-in-law Linda Mays and Ernestine Mays.

Visitation will be held at Dunnichay Funeral Home, 1113 South Anderson Street, Elwood, Indiana, on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8: 00 pm, with the Elks memorial service beginning at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at the same location on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11:00 am with Pastor Cal Rissman officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Elwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Heart of Hoosierland Humane Society.

We invite those who knew and loved Jerry to share their memories and upload photographs to his memorial page. In sharing these special moments, we can celebrate the life of this loving, dedicated, supportive, and funny man who touched so many lives.