Jerry E. Doan

Jerry E. Doan, age 94 of Gaston and a native of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Summit Health & Living in Summitville after a long battle with cancer and a long, full life. He was born September 24, 1932 in Elwood, the son of Cecil J. and Minnie J. (Fetz) Doan. Jerry enjoyed working in farming most of his life in addition to working in production at Delco Remy in Anderson for 32 years and retiring in 1989. He attended Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood with the class of 1950. Jerry was a member of the Disciples of Christ Church. In August of 1989, he married Deanna T. Trimble, and they shared over 32 years of marriage together with their blended families.

Jerry was a man of many talents and interests who was known as a hard worker and devoted father. In addition to farming and working at General Motors, he also sold cars for several years at the Alexandria Ford dealership and enjoyed welding and working on construction projects of all kinds. Jerry enjoyed hobbies such as fishing, hunting, and camping with his family for many years. He and Deanna spent the winter months in Punta Gorda, Florida for several years, and they also enjoyed selling collectibles together at flea markets throughout the summer months. He also found pleasure in photography and playing the harmonica. In recent years, Jerry was well-known for making bird houses of all types for himself and others; and enjoyed meals at his favorite restaurant – The Mill Street Inn in Gaston. His honest and straightforward demeanor will be a lasting legacy for all those that knew and loved him.

Jerry’s surviving family includes 2 sons, Danny E. Doan (Megan Alexander) of Alexandria and Steven E. (Annette) Doan of Fishers; 2 step-sons, Gary M. “Mike” (Debra) Gillis of Chesapeake, Virginia and Peter G. (Julie) Gillis of Nokomis, Florida; 3 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 17 step-grandchildren; 14 step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Deanna Doan; 4 siblings, Marleston Doan, Evelyn Little, Dorothy Roby, and Vivian Waymire; infant daughter, Brenda Kay Doan; and step-son, Scott Gillis.

Jerry’s family would like to thank caregiver, Libby Abel; good friend, Sue McCaslin; and Heaven Sent Home Healthcare in Alexandria for the compassionate care they provided to Jerry in his final months and days.

A funeral service celebrating Jerry life and legacy will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 2, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with his grandson, Pastor Spencer Doan, officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 to 7:30 pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.