Jerry L. McMindes

Jerry L. McMindes, 78, of Battle Ground, passed away at 4:10 a.m., Saturday, September 4, 2021 at IU Arnett Hospital of Lafayette.

  Jerry was born May 11, 1943 in Crawfordsville, Indiana to the late Garold E. McMindes and the late Nina E. (Swift) Stonebraker.  Jerry was a Brookston Bomber, graduating in the class of 1961. 

  After graduating, Jerry got a job at the Journal & Courier and later worked at Duncan Meter in Lafayette.

  His marriage of 57 years was to Mary Ann Rivers on March 8, 1964 at the Brookston United Methodist Church of which they are still members today; she survives.

  In 1966 Uncle Sam sent Jerry a letter and he was drafted into the United States Army, where Jerry was a heavy equipment/tank repairman.  Mr. McMindes was stationed in Ft. Carson and lived in Colorado Springs.  Jerry was honorably discharged from the United States Army two years later.

  Mr. McMindes worked for Eli Lilly from 1969 until retiring 29 years later; he predominantly worked for the Lilly Farms where he drove a semi hauling Lilly bi-products to local farmers.

  In 1973, Jerry and Ann moved to his mother’s farm in southern White County, where he grew up.  Jerry was needed to farm the place after the death of his step-father, Carl “Stoney” Stonebraker.    Jerry truly enjoyed farming and was mechanically inclined.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to a neighbor.  Jerry enjoyed attending farm auctions, even though he seldom came home with anything.  He also enjoyed cutting wood and made sure the family had plenty.

  A generous and humble man, Jerry modeled his Christian faith through hard work and kindness to others.

  Surviving with his wife are two children, Melanie Grumm (husband: Kirk) of Chalmers and Christopher McMindes (wife: Christy) also of Chalmers; three brothers, Richard Stonebraker (wife: Leslie) of Chalmers, Carl Stonebraker (wife: Maxine) of Reelsville, IN and Robert “Bob” Stonebraker of Shelbyville, TN.  Jerry loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, Miles (wife: Haley), Levi and Hunter McMindes and Tyler Grumm, Cassie Sayler (husband: Jacob) and Kirsten Grumm.  Also surviving are three great-grandchildren, Remington, Bryson and Layden.

  Preceding him in death with his parents are two sisters, Marilyn Cervilla and Mary Kirchgessner. 

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 1 p.m. Friday, September 10, 2021 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston; Rev. Karen Bray to officiate.  Interment to follow in the Pretty Prairie Cemetery, Battle Ground.

  Memorials may be made in Jerry’s name to the Brookston United Methodist Church – Food Pantry.

  Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservice.