John K. Kenny Gerard Sr.

John K. (Kenny) Gerard, 85, went to be with the Lord on July 14, 2017, after an extended illness. Kenny was a life-long resident of Anderson, Indiana, where he met and married his wife of 65 years, Wilma Leffel Gerard (his “Sweetie”) on Christmas Day in 1951. Kenny retired from Delco Remy in 1994. He was a member of Fifth Street United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday school for many years. His pastimes included following sports, relaxing on the golf course, and working crossword puzzles. Love and devotion to family and service to others epitomized Kenny’s life. Kenny was the loving father and friend of six children: John (Carol) Gerard, Bruce (Carol) Gerard, Cathy (Perry) Jones, Dawn (Jeff) Wright, Scott Gerard (Steven Mcelyea), and Kyle (Wendy) Gerard. In addition to his wife and children, Kenny is survived by his sister Martha (David) Mitchell, 11 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and a large extended family which includes many adoring nieces and nephews. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Georgia Gerard, stepmother Arvella, and sister Esther (Donald) Leathers. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 22, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Anderson, Indiana, with Pastor Daryl Gilbert officiating. Brown-But-Diedring will handle cremation. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Kenny and Wilma’s home church, Fifth Street United Methodist, 1124 W. 5th Street, Anderson, IN 46016.