Jerry Fawcett, 78, of New Sharon, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, Dec. 28, 2016, at the Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice Serenity House. Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, at Union Mills Christian Church. Burial with military honors will be held at a later date at the Union Mills Cemetery.
Jerry Ray Fawcett, the son of Merle and Jeannette (Buttrick) Fawcett, was born June 11, 1938, in Sac City. He attended Dayton High School in before he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1955. Following Jerry's honorable discharge in 1959, he farmed with his father near Dayton. On Feb. 14, 1961, Jerry was united in marriage to Linda Klinger in Webster City. To this union five children were born: Rebecca, Michael, Merle, Craig, and Patricia. Jerry and Linda moved to Union Mills in 1970. Jerry was a welder at Donaldson's in Grinnell for a number of years. Jerry enjoyed all animals and raised horses, goats, sheep, and peacocks. He loved working and rebuilding, restoring, and racing cars at Eddyville. He was an avid gardener and also enjoyed fishing and camping. He was a member of the NRA and the Union Mills Christian Church, where he served as an elder.
Survivors are his wife of nearly 56 years, Linda Fawcett of New Sharon; his children, Rebecca (Roger) Van Wyk of Sully, Michael (Stacey) Fawcett of New Sharon, Merle (Robin) Fawcett of Cedar, Craig (Teri) Fawcett of Oskaloosa, and Patricia (Larry) Smith of New Sharon; 28 grandchildren; 23 great- grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and seven brothers: Merlin, Edward, Dean, Paul, Ron, Leland, and Mike; and two sisters: Gloria Johnson and Patricia Vinson.
