Gerald P. "Jerry" Ingram, age 72 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Riverwalk Village in Noblesville following an extended illness.  He was born August 20, 1945 in Elwood, the son of Clyde G. and Ina J. (LaRue) Ingram. Earlier in life, he was known as "Pat" to his friends, and he attended Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood.  He also attended college in Oklahoma where he received certifications in Psychology.  Jerry proudly served his country in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force, and retired from active service in 1983 with a rank of First Sergeant after 22 years of service.  While in the military, he worked as a Vehicle Maintenance Superintendent and was proud to have served in the Vietnam War, being awarded the Bronze Star and Vietnam Service Medal.  Jerry married Mary M. Giselbach on August 27, 1962, and they shared over 55 years of marriage together.  Jerry was a longtime member of the Curtisville Christian Church; and was also a member of both the Elwood V.F.W. post 5782 and Disabled American Veterans.  Among his many interests, he enjoyed playing guitar and leather working.  He participated in car racing events and enjoyed riding motorcycles.  Jerry had a fascination with wolves, which led him to write books on the subject and have one of his own poems published.  He was devoted to his family, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jerry's family legacy includes his wife, Mary Ingram of Elwood; 3 children, Gerald (wife Donna) Ingram, Jr. of Klameth Falls, OR, Terrie (husband Jim) Gaffney of Indianapolis, and Stacey (husband Mark) Bullerwell of Summitville; sister, Martha Burke of Elwood; 7 grandchildren, Stephen (Laura) Gaffney, Chelsie Gaffney, Michael (Chiyel) Gaffney, Gerald (Maaret) Ingram III, Heather (Aaron) Buckman, Ryan Bullerwell, and Caitlyn Bullerwell; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; son, John William Ingram; daughter, Tracey Ingram; 3 sisters, Ina Mae Ingram, Nancy Saltee, and Linda Bennett; and granddaughter Torri Gaffney.

A funeral service celebrating Jerry's life will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with  Jerry's best friend, Daniel Lane and daughter Terrie Gaffney, officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Elwood where military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Air Force and Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 to 7 PM on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard Fund through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.