Jerome "Jerry" Vinson, 83, died Monday, May 25, 2026 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Ft. Wayne, IN.  He was born on June 10, 1942 in Ft. Wayne, IN to the late Beverly "Bill" & Berneda K. (Kleber) Vinson.  He married Carolyn K. Fogle on August 17, 1963 in Auburn, IN and she preceded him in death on September 26, 2018.

Surviving are his children, Jeff (Dana) Vinson of Hamilton, Curt (Brenda) Vinson of St. Joe and Lisa (Scott) Carey of Angola; grandchildren, Madison (Donavon) Orban, Kaitlen (Drew) Timmons, Brock Vinson, Braden Vinson, Ashley (Jake) McLeod, Tanner (Kirsten) Carey, Katelin (Ben) Blake, Nicole (Josh) Solt; great grandchildren, Jackson, Adalynn & Anthony McLeod, Ryder, Aubrey & Avery Orban, Eli Carey, Levi Blake, Xander Solt, Luci Timmons; siblings, Mary Voirol of Auburn, Alice (Dennis) Ransom of Auburn, Joan (Orval) Wallace of Auburn, Nancy (Dillgard) Jones of South Side, AL, Theresa Harris of Auburn and Ginny (Bill) Fink of Ft. Wayne and a sister-in-law, Karen Vinson of Beverly Hills, FL.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Joseph Vinson & Charles Vinson; sister & brother-in-law, Lois (John) Christlieb.  

Jerry worked and retired from B. F. Goodrich.  He was a member of American Legion Post 202, the Honor Guard, coffee club member, President of ST. Joe Pickle Festival for years, enjoyed helping with St. Martin's Food Pantry in Garrett, read to the Kindergartners at Riverdale Elementary and also sharing his veterans' experiences with them.  He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Auburn, IN.  Jerry was an avid Eastside sports enthusiast.  He made it to as many home games as possible.  He enjoyed football, boys & girls basketball and baseball.  He especially liked watching Eastside girls softball.  He was amazed at the talent each year and looked forward to softball season.  Jerry was in charge of the Memorial Day flags in the St. Joe & Spencerville area.  He took great pride in displaying these flags for our veterans.

Calling will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 2-8 pm at Carnahan-Baidinger & Walter Funeral Home, Spencerville, IN.  Calling will also be held on Saturday, May, 30, 2026 from 11 am - 2 pm at the funeral home.  Graveside Services will immediately follow at Riverside Cemetery in St. Joe, IN.

Memorials to the St. Martin's Food Pantry - 308 S. Peters Street Garrett, IN  46738.