SERVING HENDRICKS COUNTY SINCE 1847
Thursday, October 7, 2021
The Republican
Page A-15
Obituaries
(M o r e O b i t u a r i e s GERALD RAY STEPHENS “JERRY”, 72, of Danville, IN, passed away at IU/Methodist hospital on September 10, 2021. Jerry was the youngest of 3 children born to the late James and Bonnie (Davis) Stephens on July 21, 1949 in Indianapolis at Methodist Hospital. Jerry grew up near downtown Indianapolis. He lived with his family in the Fountain Square area. They lived in a house on the corner of Senate and Wilkins that is no longer there due to it being taken down when the highway came through. As a kid, times were so different back then and so often after supper Jerry’s dad would often send him out in the dark to Williams Market to get milk. Jerry just knew that his nemesis Frankenstein was out there. The Friday 11 o’clock siren meant cheeseburgers and a Pepsi. He would go home for lunch from school and that is what his mom had waiting for him. Even in his older years when the siren went off at 11, he would say “cheeseburgers!” Jerry didn’t start school until 1st grade because his mom didn’t drive and there was no transportation to school in kindergarten for him. He always felt behind in 1st grade but of course caught up. He attended School 39 Indianapolis grade school. Jerry thought he was so cool as he was picked to be one of the “traffic boys” and even was made Captain! This job allowed him certain privileges…one time Mr. Locker called all the traffic boys to his room for a “meeting” which turned out to really be an excuse to watch the World Series baseball game on a little tv in Mr. Locker’s room in the basement of the school. This just reinforced Jerry’s love of baseball! Jerry loved sports and could still tell you statistics of baseball players from his childhood. In his youth, he would write out all the information on a big piece of cardboard and memorize it all. Jerry attended Franklin Central High School and graduated in 1967. He then went on to get his college education at David Lipscomb College in Nashville TN graduating in 1971. Jerry earned 4 teaching licenses: Science, history, math and English with the last two being his primary teaching experiences. Later on, he went back to school to get his masters degree. Teaching was his passion, whether it was at church or at school. He was always comfortable in front of a group of students or adults. He loved to talk and he loved to tell stories. Everyone loved to hear his stories. He was a natural born teacher. He began his teaching career in Franklin Township in 1971 at Acton, IN. He taught 5th and 6th grade for 5 years. He taught math to the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades for 3 years. While he was teaching in Acton, the yearly test scores went up so much that the superintendent came to find out what Jerry was doing to help the kids improve their scores. He told him, “just the basics over & over again until they get it.” Jerry taught at Indianapolis Christian for 2 years. He began teaching in Wayne Township in 1986. Taught at Ben Davis Junior High School in the Alternative to Expulsion Classroom for 5 years. In 1991, Jerry moved to the position of Department Chair of the alternative school based at Jameson Camp. In 1995, he moved to South Wayne Junior High where he taught English. He became the became the English Department Chair in 1996. Jerry retired in May of 2007. During his teaching career, Jerry was a cross country coach and a football coach. He was a beloved mentor to several new teachers. Jerry’s love of books, nurtured by his sister Linda, influenced him to be an English teacher. Linda introduced her younger
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brother to the magic of the library. One of his favorite books was To Kill A Mockingbird. He was always taking up for the misunderstood and standing up for what was right. Jerry honored God in all he did, whether it was teaching school, teaching a Bible class, or handing out frozen treats to the neighborhood kids. Jerry was one of the sweetest, kindest souls on this earth. He loved to give to others and gave with a glad and generous heart. He loved sitting on the front porch swing visiting with friends or chatting with people passing by. The kindness and joy he brought to others will not be forgotten. He had a very humble spirit. Jerry’s love language was feeding people. The grandkids, their friends, and neighbor kids fondly remember his famous Sponge Bob eggs! They all said he made the best chocolate milk and the very best chocolate malts! He was the funniest guy ever. He made us all laugh and he wasn’t afraid to look silly doing it. When one of his granddaughters asked him why he was so silly he responded, “ it’s so you’ll remember me when I’m gone.” Jerry was a faithful member of the Heartland Church of Christ, Greenwood IN. He loved Sundays because that meant it was time to go to church and worship God and fellowship with other Christians. Jerry taught many Bible classes; middle school, high school, and adults. In October 2018, Jerry had open heart surgery at Methodist Hospital, giving him 3 more years with family and friends. “The heart that serves and loves and clings, Hears everywhere the rush of angel wings.” (unknown) Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bonnie (Davis) Stephens. He was also preceded in death by his older sister Linda and an older brother who died in infancy. Jerry is survived by his wife, Debbie (Montgomery) Stephens; daughter Stacy Hubner, step children (he hated that term as he considered them all his kids) Laura (Anthony) Bell; Beth (Jon) Mitchell; Jeremy (Kinsey) West. He leaves behind his beloved 8 grandchildren. Caden Hubner; Cassidy Hubner; Kaylee Bell; Easton Bell; Katie Mitchell; Ashlynn Mitchell; Nathan West; and Calan West. A special thanks to our son in-law Jon Hubner for checking on Jerry every day at the hospital. Arrangements handled by Singleton Mortuary, Indianapolis, IN. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Heartland Church of Christ, 1693 W Main St, Greenwood, IN 46142. ___________________________________________________ CYNTHIA JANE KEARNS, 65, of Brownsburg, passed away September 23, 2021. She was born November 25, 1955 in Indianapolis the daughter of Roy G. and Margaret G. (King) Kearns. Cynthia was a typesetter for Pictorial Publishing Company. She is survived by a son, Shane McPheron, sister, Linda L. Taylor, and brother, Al (Sherry) Kearns. A funeral service took place Monday October 4, 2021 at Conkle Funeral Home, Speedway Chapel. Burial was in Roachdale Cemetery. ________________________
JONATHAN C. FOBES, 33, Brownsburg, passed away September 27, 2021. Jonathan was a warehouse worker and a member of the Catholic Church. A loving son, father and brother, he was survived by his mother, Cheryl Johnson (Susan Scheier); father, Jeff Fobes; his children whom he greatly adored, Peyton, Baylee, Alanna, Jazzlyn and Abigale; siste,r Katlyn Johnson. He was preceded in death by a brother Steve Fobes. Memorial services will be held a later date. Arrangements: Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. ________________________
LESLIE S. LANDREY JR., loving husband, father, grandpa and uncle, 91, passed away October 1, 2021. He was a Tool and Die Maker for Allison Transmissions. He was a proud Veteran of the US Navy. Les was an avid fisherman. He was also a member of the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge. Les was preceded in death by his son, Jeff Landrey and great-grandchild, Dominick Landrey-Boutureira. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Billingsly Landrey; children, Lesa Jo Landrey and Robert A. (Benita) Landrey; 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Services were Wednesday October 6, at Conkle Funeral Home Avon. Burial was in Clear Creek Cemetery-Coatesville. Online condolences may be shared at www.conklefuneralhome.com. ________________________ JERRY RAY GRACE, 78, Pittsboro, passed away October 2, 2021. He retired from General Motors as a supervisor in 1992 after 30 years of service. Jerry loved racing motorcycles and classic cars. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Brownsburg. He was preceded in death by his parents Homer and Ida Belle Grace, brother Charles Grace and sister Mary Small. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Sandra Grace; children Stacy (Tom) O’Leary and Todd (Michele) Grace; grandchildren Alli O’Leary, Tyler Grace, Cameron Grace and Brady Grace. Contributions may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, 801 S. Green St., Brownsburg, IN 46112. Funeral services and interment will be private. Arrangements: Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. ________________________
WILLA DEAN (Parker) YEAGER passed away peacefully on October 5, 2021 at Avon Health and Rehabilitation of Avon. Willa Dean ,the daughter of Roy and Doris (Kelly) Parker ,was born on June 10, 1936 in Greencastle. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Durbin L. Yeager, son Christopher F. Yeager, and twin brother Dr. Willis G. Parker. Willa Dean is survived by a son Alan M. Yeager (Abby), and grandsons Logan C. and Adam D. Yeager; sisters-in law, Sharon (Bob) Benge,, Bette Yeager,, Marica Walker, Linda Parker, brother-in-law, Lenny Overton, and several nieces and nephews. Willa Dean was a member of the Coatesville Christian Church and attended New Maysville Community Church. Willa Dean started playing the piano when she was very young and continued to play not only the piano but also the organ as an active member of her church and for many occasions for family and friends throughout her life. Not only assisting her husband Durbin with the running of their business Yeager Petroleum Co., she was an excellent homemaker, always preparing food to take to family, friends and neighbors, who were sick or grieving. Calling will be held on Friday from 1 until 3 p.m. at the Bousley Funeral Home, Coatesville with services at 3 p.m. Burial will follow in the Coatesville Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Doris K. Parker Childrens Music Fund, Hendricks County Community Foundation, 6319 E. US 36, Suite 211, Avon, IN 46123. www.bousleyfuneralhome.com _______________________
Hendricks County Church Directory FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF AMO 4779 Pearl St., Amo (317) 539-6920 www.amo1stbaptist.org Sunday worship: 10:30 a..m.
THEWELL.COMMUNITY A Church of Christ 317-244-3974 554 Pitt Road, Brownsburg, IN 46112 Sunday Worship, 10:00 a.m.
AVON CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) 7236 E CR 100 S,, Avon, IN 46123 317-839-6231 www.avonchristian.org Sunday Worship - 10:35 a.m.
CARTERSBURG COMMUNITY CHURCH Sunday Fellowship 9 a.m. Sunday Service 10 a.m.
AVON COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GOD 2309 N CR 800E (Dan Jones Rd), Avon, IN 46123 317-272-6289 Sunday Worship 10 a.m.; Wed., 6 p.m.
CLAYTON CHRISTIAN CHURCH 5110 S SR 39, Clayton 317-539-4512 www.claytonchristian.org Sunday Worship 8:45 & 11:00 a.m.
AVON PARKSIDE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 47 N CR 625 E, Avon 317-272-7902 www.avonparkside.com Sunday Worship - 10:15 am; Wed. night activities 7 pm
CLAYTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Behind the Clayton Cafe 317-539-2036 www.claytonpres.org Sunday worship 9:00 a.m.
BARTLETT CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST 4396 E. Main St., Avon, IN 46123 (317) 745-2504 • bartlettchapel.com Sunday Worship: 9:00 a.m.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CLAYTON 4797 Iowa St., Clayton, IN 46118 (317)539-6196 Worship Service 10:30 a.m.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST COMMUNITY CHURCH OF HENDRICKS COUNTY 95 N. Jefferson St., Danville Service: 10 a.m. www.uucchc.org
NORTH SALEM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 104 West Pearl Street, North Salem, IN 46165 (765) 676-6501 Sunday Worship at 11:00 a.m.
EL-BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH 7183 E. CR 100 N, Avon (317) 272-2097 www.el-bethelbaptist.net Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. & 5 p.m.
COATESVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 8052 Hadley Street 765-386-7245 Church Services 10 a.m.
WEST BRIDGE CHURCH 1521 S. CR 75 W, Danville, IN (317) 745-2266 www.westbridgedanville.com Sunday Service 9 and 10:30 a.m.
PITTSBORO CHRISTIAN CHURCH 209 N. Meridian, Pittsboro, IN 46167 Sunday Worship - 10 a.m. 317-892-3245 www.pittsborochristian.org
HARVEST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 4825 E. Main St., Avon IN 46123 Worship - 10:15 a.m. & 6 p.m.
COATESVILLE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 5105 Milton St., Coatesville (317) 828-1832 Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m.
HADLEY FRIENDS CHURCH 2100 S Co Rd 450 W Coatesville. Worship at 10:30 a.m.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PLAINFIELD 1012 Stafford Road, Plainfield, IN 46168 317-839-8163 firstbaptistplainfield.org Sunday worship: 9 a.m & 10:30 a.m
WHITE LICK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2530 N CR 600 E, Avon. (317) 852-2840 www.whitelickpcusa.org. Sunday Worship 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.
COATESVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4863 North Milton, Coatesville, IN 46121 www.gbgm-umc.org/coatesville Sunday Worship Service - 10:45 a.m.
JAMESTOWN CHURCH OF CHRIST 110 W. Mill Street, Jamestown Phone 765-676-6404 www.jamestowncoc.com Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m., 4 p.m.
LIVING CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH 4800 South CR 600 E, Plainfield, In 46168 317-839-4800 www.livingchristplainfield.com Worship Service 10:30 a.m.
BELLEVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST 5635 S. CR 200 E, Clayton, IN 46118 (317) 539-5258 www.bellevillechurch.net Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m., 5 p.m.
CALVARY CHAPEL OF DANVILLE 2165 E Main St, Danville, IN 317-745-7199 www.firmlyplanted.cc Services at 9 and 10:30 a.m.
LIZTON CHRISTIAN CHURCH 202 N. Church, Lizton, Ind. 317-994-5452 Sunday Worship - 10 a.m.
ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 710 E. Buchanan Street, Plainfield, IN 46168 317-839-6730 www.stmarksweb.org Holy Eucharist every Sunday at 10:15 a.m.
BROWNSBURG CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Corner of Williams Dr. &Locust Dr., Brownsburg (317) 852-8013 Sunday Worship at 10:40 a.m.
DANVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) 180 W. Main St. 317-745-2310 Sunday 10:30 Worship Service
LIZTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 120 Brumfield Avenue, Lizton, IN 46149 317- 994-5363 www.liztonumc.org Sunday Worship - 9 a.m.
PLAINFIELD FRIENDS CHURCH 105 S. East Street, Plainfield 317-839-6490 - http://www.plainfieldfriends.org Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. (in person or online)
SOVEREIGN GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH 3175 N CR 900 E, Brownsburg, IN 46122 sgbaptist-brownsburg.org Sunday Worship, 10 & 11 a.m.; Wednesday 7 p.m.
DANVILLE FRIENDS CHURCH 45 N 200 E, Danville IN 46122 317-745-5348 danvillefriends.org Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m,
NEW WINCHESTER CHRISTIAN CHURCH 53 S. State Road 75 Worship 10 a.m.
YOUR VENTURE CHURCH 7865 N CR 100 E, Lizton, IN 46149 317-362-5428 www.yourventurechruch.org Sunday Services 9 & 11 a.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.
DANVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 820 W. Mill Street, Danville 317-745-4330 • www.danvilleumc.org Sunday: 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.
MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH 1005 W. Main, Danville 317-745-4284 www.maryqueenofpeacedanville.org Sunday Masses at 8 and 10:30 a.m. NORTHVIEW CHRISTIAN CHURCH 623 N. State Rd. 39, Danville 317-745-5990 www.northviewchristian.org Sunday Worship 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
WHITESTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 8045 West U.S. Hwy 36 (317) 539-6029. Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m
EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH 8350 St. Rd. 236, North Salem, IN 46165 317-531-3013 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.
NORTH SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH 219 Ladoga Ave, North Salem, IN. 46165 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.
ST. AUGUSTINE EPISCOPAL CHURCH 600 N. Washington Street, Danville, Ind. 317-745-2741 www.augies.indydio.org Sundays, 8 and 10 a.m., Holy Communion.
NORTH SALEM CHRISTIAN CHURCH 6 North California St., North Salem, IN 46165 765-676-6969 Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.
