Jerry E. Wert

1939 - 2023

Jerry E. Wert, 84, of Largo, Florida, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023, in his home from complications of chronic health issues.

Jerry was born on Saturday, September 2, 1939, in Marion, Indiana, to the late Merrill and Martha (Everhart) Wert. He married his loving wife, LaVon, on March 21, 1959, and she survives.

After graduating from Benton Harbor High School (Michigan) in 1957, he began working for Liniger Co., Inc., in Marion, Indiana, where he began as a delivery driver, shop cleaner, and advanced to fire protection/sprinkler system installer. Jerry was eventually promoted to sales and project estimating, where he landed until his retirement in 2000. Upon his retirement of 44 years in the work force, Jerry and wife, LaVon, resided in Largo (Florida) and summers at Beaver Dam Lake (Indiana).

Jerry's hobbies included golfing, lake life, and watching sports whenever possible. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Indianapolis Colts, and, most of all, Notre Dame football, of which he was a season ticket holder for many years.

He is survived by his wife, LaVon (Melick) of 64 years; sisters, Sandy Fisher of Greenfield and Cheryl (Doug) Farrell of Claypool; brother, Mike (DeShawn) Wert of Sweetser; children, Kathy (Randy) Helbert of Lovingston, VA, and Joe (Kathy) Wert of Marion; five grandchildren, Stacci (Daniel) Nutty of Richmond, VA, Sean (Sally) Wert of Marion, Marti (Coty) Painter of Tye River, VA, Hannah (William) Brown of Amherst, VA, and Sara Wert of Swayzee; and six great-grandchildren, Maizy, Marley, August, Joanna, Oliver, Sam, and Scarlette coming in the spring.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Merrill (Martha) Wert, and his brother-in-law, Claude Fisher.

The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.

Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Jerry's life will begin at 1:00 pm. Pastor Tom Mansbarger of Grace Community Church will officiate the service. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank Sun Coast Hospice of Largo and Bright Star Home Health of Pinellas County for the care Jerry received in the last few months. Also, a huge thank you to the neighbors in Palm Hill.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.