Jerry Dean Flanders

Jerry Dean Flanders, 93, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026. Born at home on November 19, 1932, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Jerry lived a long and full life defined by devotion to family, a strong work ethic, and a deep passion for the pursuits he loved.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Jean Flanders, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership.

He is survived by his loving partner of the past five and a half years, Jane Grethel, whose companionship brought him great happiness and whose devoted care and support during his illness were a source of comfort to him and his family; his son, Scott Flanders (Linda); and his daughter, Jane Flanders. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Jade Scaglione (Fran), Jordan Flanders (Andrew Kushner), Allison Brito (Juan), James Garrido (Sophia), and Ashley Garrido. He also delighted in his role as great-grandfather to Lennan, Isla, and Francis Scaglione, Sofia Brito, and Veda Kushner.

Jerry was a 1954 graduate of Franklin College, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. A talented athlete, he played baseball in college and was recruited to the minor leagues—an early testament to his drive and determination.

Jerry served as General Manager of the Allison Helicopter Division of General Motors and also spent three years as President of Pacific Airmotive Corporation in Burbank, California. In addition, he owned and operated Dairy Queen locations throughout central Indiana. He lived by a simple but powerful principle: “If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.”

A man of many interests and commitments, Jerry was a licensed pilot, a dedicated Scoutmaster, and a proud Brother in the Masonic Lodge of Indianapolis. He embraced life fully and actively. He loved snow skiing—continuing to ski into his 80s—and enjoyed time spent fishing.

His greatest passion, however, was golf. As a devoted member and former President of Worthington Country Club, the course was both a sanctuary and a source of pride. Known for his competitive spirit, Jerry especially enjoyed beating his son Scott and Scott’s friends on the course, and he always challenged himself to shoot below his age.

Although Jerry spent the last 30 years of his life in Florida, he remained a proud Hoosier, enthusiastically cheering for Indiana sports teams.

Jerry will be remembered for his steady presence, his determination, his love of family, and the joy he found in both hard work and play. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the family he cherished so deeply.

Friends and family are invited to attend Jerry’s viewing at Leppert Mortuary, 900 N. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, Indiana, on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will be held immediately following at 11:00 a.m., with burial services to follow at Carmel Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.LeppertMortuary.com.

In appreciation of the outstanding care Jerry received during his final months, the family asks that donations be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.