Jerry Trusty

Jerry Trusty, 65, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, after a courageous nine-year battle with kidney cancer. Born on February 3, 1960, in Indianapolis to Jon and Clara (Cooper) Trusty, Jerry lived a life marked by dedication, creativity, and an unwavering love for his family.

He graduated from Triton Central High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in construction and engineering technology from Purdue University. Jerry began his career with a successful construction business before joining the family company, Trusty-Cook. At Trusty-Cook, he was awarded a patent for polyurethane spindle liners. He became known for his brilliant mind and inventive spirit. Jerry was fortunate to work with his own father and siblings earlier in life and years later he shared that same bond with his daughter, Shelby.

Jerry was married to the love of his life, Angela (Gillespie) Trusty, for 35 wonderful years. Together, they built a joyful, adventurous life and raised three daughters, Shelby Trusty (Greg White), Olivia Trusty (Henry Webberhunt), and Isabelle Trusty (Conner Dunbar). He is survived by his wife, Angela; his mother, Clara Trusty; his brother, Joel Trusty; his daughters and their spouses; his best friend Mike Clumb, and many beloved friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Jon Trusty; his brother, Jon “Buddy” Trusty; his sister, Julie Trusty Nawrot; and his faithful dog, Ellie, who surely greeted him with a wagging tail.

Jerry loved living on the White River. He never stopped working to turn his vision of creating a home for his family into a reality. When their ranch house could no longer contain their expanding family, he added a second story. He built a backyard swimming pool and later constructed a shelter house in the woods using large fallen trees. His final project, completed just days before his passing, was transforming an old garage into a yoga studio for his wife. His daughters worked alongside him, learning carpentry skills and life lessons.

Jerry raised his daughters to have an independent spirit and can-do attitude. He made them feel like they could accomplish anything. A note he gave each of his girls once said, “you continue to amaze me.”

He was a corporate member of the White River Yacht Club for over 35 years. Jerry was always ready to lend a hand, whether it was tying up someone’s boat, helping with a project, or stepping in wherever he was needed.

Jerry will be remembered for his made-to-order breakfasts (especially his famous biscuits and gravy with a secret touch of beef bouillon), his love of travel, boating, fishing, and weekend badminton games in the pool he built. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. Jerry could make anyone laugh with just a glance, but he was also always ready to go with a sarcastic remark. He could never quite pronounce “Massachusetts”, leaving out most of the S’s. Jerry was an expert at channel surfing to avoid watching commercials. He knew how to lay out pillows and blankets to make the perfect spot on the floor for watching movies. He hated The Wheel of Fortune. His family made a point of loudly announcing every night when it came on, to his dismay: “Dad, the Wheel’s on!” to which he’d always reply, “I hate that show.”

When the kids were young, the family made cherished memories traveling in their RV to Niagara Falls, Kentucky, Ohio, Wisconsin Dells, and Michigan. Close family friends, the Clumbs and Hofmeisters, often came along. One highlight was taking home first place in the Halloween campsite decorating contest at Lake Rudolph. Jerry was always trying new inventive camping recipes like eggs in a bag. Whenever there was a problem with the RV, Jerry always managed to get things working again and keep the journey going. RV trips later turned into Caribbean cruises and boating through the Virgin Islands with Jerry as the captain.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at the White River Yacht Club on Sunday, August 24, from 3-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share a story, raise a glass, or spend a quiet moment by the water in his honor.