Gerald P. "Gerry" Westerfield

Gerald Paul "Gerry" Westerfield, 92, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Gerry was born in Canton, Illinois, the eldest of three sons of Paul and Blanche Westerfield. A graduate of Canton High School, he served proudly in the United States Navy. He married Donna Jean Oaks in 1950 and together they raised four daughters and two sons as Gerry advanced his career with Graybar Electric, first in Davenport, Iowa and then Indiana. Gerry’s life consistently swirled around his large family. Gerry enthusiastically coached his daughters’ Dad’s Club softball teams, as well as led his sons YWCA Indian Guides groups. As a grandparent, he proudly supported his grandchildren’s athletics and educational achievements. Gerry enjoyed fishing, golfing and attending special events for grandchildren. Throughout his life, Gerry greatly enjoyed fishing treks with his father, uncle, brothers, sons, sons-in-law, grandsons and nephews. Those were special times for him, and he deeply loved to share the experience with his family and close friends. He was also an avid reader, enjoying mysteries and spy thrillers. Gerry was a member of Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren and American Legion David Parrish Post 296. He was also a proud member of the Fort Wayne Jazz Club. He was happy to retire in a city with a thriving jazz culture. Gerry often shared interesting historical tidbits and music by many of his favorite jazz performers on a locally-produced jazz show on the former W.B.N.I. radio station. In his final days, Gerry lived with a sense of deep peace, laughter, and acceptance. Music brought him special peace and joy throughout his final months. He neither complained nor expressed frustration. His love for God, family, friends and music carried him. Family time gave him great happiness. He kept a photo collection near him so he could happily leaf through photos of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by daughters, Lane, Emily (Richard Hambrock) Blackman of Fort Wayne; Tracy (Tom) Phelps of Chandler, Arizona; Laurie (Bill) Fisher, Gilbert, Arizona; son, Martin (Janet Mace-Sublette) Columbus, Indiana; grandchildren, Andrew (Jasmin) Westerfield, Shawn Phelps, Joseph (Michal) Utterback, Katie (Hunter) Abbey, Joel (Natalie) Fisher, Matthew Westerfield, six great grandchildren; brother, Galen (Sue); and his loving companion, Stella Eber. Gerry was preceded in death by his wife, Donna in 2002; son, Mitchell in 2013; and brother, Gordon in 2013. Funeral service will be at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 16, 2018 at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home For Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Rd., Fort Wayne with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Inurnment will be at Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be made to Visiting Nurse or Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren.