Jerry D. Wasson

Jerry Dean Wasson, age 85, went home to be with the Lord on August 30, 2025, at his home in Greenfield, Indiana surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born August 19, 1940, in Beech Grove, Indiana to the late Howard and Sarah (Ray) Wasson. Jerry graduated in 1958 and was a member of the last graduating class at Flat Rock High School where he played basketball, softball and ran cross country, and where he met the love of his life and future bride, Phyllis Hampton. Jerry enlisted in the Navy right out of high school where he was stationed at the Barbers Point Naval Base, Oahu, Hawaii. He served for 3 years on the firefighter crew overseeing the flight line. Jerry and Phyllis were married on July 9th, 1960, at Lewis Creek Baptist Church by her father, Rev. Creed Hampton. After a week of honeymoon, he took his bride back to Barbers Point where they enjoyed newlywed life until his discharge in the spring of 1961. After coming home from the Navy, they lived in Shelbyville. Like most 10 year old boys, Jerry dreamed of being a policeman. In 1962, that dream became a reality when was hired as a night shift patrolman for Greenfield Police Department. For 21 years, he proudly served the people of Greenfield and became well liked in the community while still serving and protecting the town he called home. Because police officers didn't earn very much at that time, Jerry worked various part time jobs to provide for his family. He worked his way up through the department from Corporal, to Sargeant, and eventually retiring in 1984 as a Lieutenant in the detective division. His strong work ethic led him to start his second career in 1987 as a commercial sales rep for Indiana Gas/Vectren in Greenfield. He worked with developers and builders in Hancock County and made countless friends at charity golf outings and baking cookies on a gas grill at new subdivision home tours and other local events. He was an active member of the Hancock County Builders Council where he sat on its board of directors and was even awarded Associate of the Year for his service to the community through the Council. In February 2003, the day after his retirement party, Jerry and Phyllis headed to Florida to begin their retirement dream of being snowbirds. They were blessed to have a house on a lake in Florida where they spent their winters, always eager and excited to have family and friends come to visit. Jerry took his outgoing, happy personality with him to Florida as well, making more friends. Whether on the golf course, participating in friendly fishing competitions or playing in weekly card games, everyone knew Jerry was there because they could hear that distinguishable, infectious laugh. As much as they enjoyed being in the warm Florida sunshine, they were always eager to come home, to be back with their family. Jerry was an avid IU basketball fan. He also loved camping, boating, fishing, golf, woodworking and following his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids in their activities. He and Phyllis went to countless basketball, baseball, football, softball and soccer games; school plays, band and choir concerts. He was an active member of Greenfield Christian Church since 1962 where he served as an elder, a deacon and member of the property committee. Jerry also sang in the church choir. His deep baritone voice could be heard quite often singing solos in church. He loved to sing in church! While spending the winters in Florida he and Phyllis found a church home at First Christian Church of Haines City, where they both sang in the choir and enjoyed ministering on various committees and groups. Jerry was raised to a Master Mason on May 19, 1973, in the Farmers Lodge #147. He later joined Hancock Lodge #101. He participated in several degrees and advanced through the officers chairs until becoming Master in 2003. He was able to raise his son, David, that same year. He received his Award of Gold for 50 years of service in 2023. Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis; children, David (Cherry) and Paul (Cheryl) Wasson, and Sharon (Harold) Gibson, all of Greenfield, Indiana. They have also been blessed with 8 grandchildren – David (Tina), Jason, and Brittany Wasson (Mark Warren), Jennifer Myers (Kenny Deemer), DeAnna (Jared) Reid, Holly (Mike) Hughes, Kyle (Elizabeth) Gibson, and Heather (Brandon) Wells; 25 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Richard Brown; brothers, Harry, Don and Paul E. Wasson; and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Bowlin and Ezra Hughes. The family would like to extend their sincere and heart-felt appreciation to Dr. Stephen Schultz and the amazing staff at Sue Ann Wortman Cancer Center and Charter Senior Living Center. You all took excellent care of Jerry and he loved all of you very much. Visitation will be held at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US 40, Greenfield, IN 46140, on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. A Masonic Service will follow at 6:00pm. Additional visitation will be held at Greenfield Christian Church, 23 N. East St., Greenfield, IN 46140 on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 11:00am to 12:00pm. A Funeral Service will follow visitation at 12:00pm. Burial with military honors will immediately follow at Park Cemetery in Greenfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Sue Ann Wortman Cancer Center, 801 N. State St. Greenfield, IN 46140. Envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory of Jerry or send condolences to his family online at www.erleweinmortuary.com.