Jerry L. Rea

Jerry L. Rea, 83, lifelong resident and farmer of the Raymond area, passed away peacefully, Tuesday afternoon, February 3, 2026, at his home with his loving family by his side.

Jerry was born June 9, 1942, at home to Gerald and Nell (O'Neil) Rea. He was a 1960 graduate of Northwestern High School in Raymond and attended The Ohio State University at Marion where he met the love of his life, the former Barbara Anderson whom he married on September 5, 1964.

Throughout the years He was a lifelong member and an Elder of the Millcreek Church of Christ, a Charter member of the Northwestern Lions Club, a volunteer fireman with the Liberty Township Fire Department, and Secretary of the Liberty Township Board of Zoning Appeals for 45 years. He was a member of the Union County Farm Bureau, Marysville FFA Alumni and Young Farmers and served as the Vice President of the State Association and traveled throughout the country in that position. He was a Sunday School Superintendent and coached Little League baseball for several years.

A true outdoorsman Jerry was never more at home than when he was hunting, fishing, skiing, or boating. Whether it was the many trips out west hunting deer and elk in Wyoming or pheasant with dear friends in South Dakota. However his true passion was fishing in Ontario, Canada which started when he was a young man with his grandfather and continued for the next 65 years with wonderful friends and family. He also had a passion for skiing with several trips to Michigan, New York, Colorado, and Utah, and achieved his goal of skiing while he was 80 years old. In younger years boating and water skiing were a passion with several memorable family trips down the Ohio River. Later he also developed a fondness for camping in the mountains of Montana and a once in a lifetime cruise to Alaska. When he was at home he enjoyed woodworking in his shop, attending bluegrass concerts, riding in his Gator, and above all a good steak from his own farm. But his true love was being surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his beloved golden retrievers. As a fourth-generation farmer on the family farm, he was most proud to be able to work alongside his Son and Grandson and pass it on to them.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara; daughter Janie (Steve) Brown of Raymond; son Jeff (Teresa) Rea of Raymond; Grandchildren Tyler (Stephanie) Brown of Marysville, Stefanie Brown of Bozeman, Montana, Dylan Rea of Manhattan, NY, Chelsea Kirk of Delaware, Emily (Chris) Black of Marysville, Nick (Amber) Rea of West Mansfield; Great Grand-Children Elena, Evelyn, Noelle, Nora, Rowen, Cade, Rue, Silas, Aiden, Elliana, and Ada; Brothers-in-law Robert Baldridge, Bill Anderson, and Scott (Tonia) Anderson; Sisters-in-law Amy Brown, Mary (Bill) Cirimele, and Julie Haugh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Nell; a sister Margery Baldridge; and a brother-in-law Darrell Haugh.

Calling hours will be 10a-12pm on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Millcreek Church of Christ, 24956 Lunda Rd., Raymond, where funeral services to celebrate Jerry's life will begin promptly at 12 pm. Pastors David LaDuke and Jack Knox will officiate with burial to follow at Millcreek cemetery.

In Jerry's memory, contributions may be made to the Millcreek Church of Christ.

Ingram & Snyder Funeral Home of Marysville is honored to serve Jerry's family, and condolences may be expressed to them at www.IngramFuneralService.com.