Jerry Allen Summerlot 17 March 1947 - 20 June 2025
Jerry Allen Summerlot "Wolfman" age 77 was released into the arms of our Lord and Savior unexpectedly on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana. Jerry was born March 17, 1948 in Hartford City, Indiana to Roy Roland Summerlot and Audrey Gwendolyn Nuttle.
Jerry's education journey included Montpelier School in Blackford County his first 10 years and his last 2 years at Salamonie Township High School in Warren, Indiana where he graduate in 1966. At a young age Jerry was taught by his mother to respect others. He learned a good work ethic from his father and other farmers that he worked for during his early years.
After graduation, he worked construction on bridges around the Indianapolis area with his father until he was drafted. Jerry's military service was an extensive and impressive one, serving a total of 27 years, with 2 years in the U.S. Army and 25 years in the Indiana National Guard. On March 6, 1968 he was drafted into the U.S. Army, at which time he was sent to Fort Campbell, Kentucky for basic training. He advanced to Private E-2 on May 8, 1968. While on leave, he married Dixie Lee Knight, July 15, 1968. He then received orders to report to Fort Huachuca, Arizona on August 29, 1968, where he completed a food service course. On November 29, 1968 he advanced to rank of E-4. In February, 1969 he was sent to the Republic of Vietnam for his tour of duty lasting until February 28, 1970. He was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, where he was a door gunner on a medi-vac helicopter. During his deployment there, he advanced to E-5 on December 26, 1969 receiving the BRONZE STAR for meritorious service. Jerry also received the Vietnam Combat Certificate, Department of the Army Certificate of Appreciation, February 28, 1970.
Jerry obtained employment at International Paper in Hartford City where his great grandfather, his grandmother & his mother had once worked, making 4 generations. He worked in different positions becoming supervisor in the corrugated department there for 40 years until the factory closed.
After Jerry's return from active service our daughter Angela Kay Summerlot was born on June 3, 1971. Jerry enlisted in the Indiana National Guard, worked a full-time job and went to many of Angela's after school activities.
Jerry enjoyed his Alaskan Malamute "Echo" and his German Shepherds "Shiloh" and "Zeus". Jerry was a member of the PATRIOTS M/C. Jerry's enjoyment was buying motorcycles and fixing them up most of his life. He was finally able to buy a new Harley in 2009, that he rode a lot with the club for benefits.
Over the years in the Indiana National Guard service with the 1st Battalion, 293 Infantry Division as their Supply Sergeant he received Certificates of Appreciation, Command Sergeant Major, Infantry Advanced NCO Course. He was Honorably Discharged, Retired Reserve & Certificate of Retirement March 17, 2008.
Our grandson Malachi Eran Summerlot was born on September 29, 2008. After the death of his first wife Dixie, God place an intervention in Jerry's life. Jerry and Sharon were God sent to each other as Sharon had lost her first husband 16 years prior. He was blessed to be united in holy matrimony to his soulmate Sharon Marie Summerlot on August 6, 2016. Their journey thus far was filled with sickness and healing but more important the many precious memories and the love of life, they both shared.
Jerry loved to work on old tractors having restored a Ford 860, an International Cub, and his pride and current joy a Ferguson. As Jerry aged, he traded the Harley for a Polaris, making more fun memories.
Although Jerry was not raised in the church, he was always a believer. Jerry was in his adult life before going to church, but his faith in our Lord was very strong. He was baptized in 2023.
Jerry is survived by his wife Sharon; his grandson Malachi Summerlot; his sister Kathy Smith; daughters Julie Jesseph; Dawn Schneider (Dennis); son Rex Summerlot (Jill); grandson Riley Summerlot; granddaughters Kelsey Summerlot, Mackensi Schneider; sister-in-law Nancy Hedden (Monte); Patriot brother Kevin Conner (Teresa); family friend Elizabeth; Sharon's brother Jerry who he dearly loved; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Dixie; our daughter Angela Kay Summerlot; and Patriot brother Mike Branstrator.
Though you are gone, a light still shines within every heart you touched. I pray you are talking to Maggie, Julina, and Jane; if you find Roy, send me a hint. Forever and always, no matter what. See you on the other side my heart, my soul, my everything, my everlasting love.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 27, 12:30-2:30 at Bousley Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 2:30. Pastor Tom Evans will officiate. Burial will follow in New Winchester Cemetery.
