Gerald "Jerry" James Harlow, age 82, of Madison, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the King's Daughters' Hospital. He entered this life on January 17, 1934 in Pleasant, Indiana. He was the loving son of the late James Otis and Lenna Mae (Stewart) Harlow.
He was born and raised in Switzerland County, Indiana, and was a 1952 graduate of Vevay High School. After graduation, Jerry started working at the Madison State Hospital and in 1960 was named Employee of the Year. Jerry graduated from Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in Louisville, Kentucky in 1965 and was employed with Haskell and Morrison Funeral Home in Vevay, Indiana as a licensed funeral director for many years. Also, he was the Switzerland County Coroner or Deputy Coroner for 14 years. Jerry was an EMT and helped with the ambulance service through the funeral home for several years. Mr. Harlow retired in 1991 due to health problems. After retiring, he worked with Humphrey-Taylor Funeral Home in Rising Sun, Indiana for several years.
Jerry was united in marriage to Ruth (Pearson) Harlow on November 21, 1959 in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. This happy union of 56 years was blessed with two daughters, Rita and Cheryl.
Since 1991, he lived in Madison and was a faithful member of North Madison Baptist Church. Jerry served on several committees and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Jerry took great pride in his yard, house, garage, and building. Everything was meticulous and always in its place. He enjoyed being outside doing yard work, gardening, or just tinkering. He always really enjoyed helping Ruth make apple sauce, canning fruit and vegetables, and making Christmas candy. He enjoyed socializing at McDonalds and Mike's Grill regularly. Jerry liked watching television, especially sports. He cheered on the Cincinnati Reds, University of Louisville Basketball, and the Indianapolis Colts.
His family was everything to him and he loved his family above all else. Jerry was the happiest when he and his family were together. Many happy times and great memories were made on Grant's Creek and Laughtery Creek with Edie and family. He also enjoyed making trips to Illinois to visit Ruth's family. Jerry also greatly enjoyed his visits from his Grand Dog, Murphy.
Jerry was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will be missed by his wife of 56 years, Ruth of Madison; his daughter, Rita Addleman and her husband Dwight of Madison; his sisters: Edith Dugle, of Rising Sun, Indiana, and Gladys Hunt and her husband, Burnie of Florence, Indiana; his sisters-in-laws, Betty Follis of Farmer City, Illinois, and Rose Marie Pearson of Scherrerville, Indiana; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father in 1972; his mother in 1963; his daughter, Cheryl Harlow who passed away on October 4, 2014; his brothers: Charles Harlow in 1919 and Marion "Bud" Harlow in 2011; his sisters: Norma Harlow in 1931 and Thelma Thurnall in 2006; his five brothers-in-law: Howard Dugle, Harold Thurnall, Edward Follis, Robert Pearson, and Benjamin Pearson; one sister-in-law, Susan Pearson; two nephews: Ernie Hunt and John Dugle; and Ruth's parents: Mable and Viola Pearson, and Elvin Pearson.
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Skip Napier at 1:30 PM Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at the Lytle Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Vail Chapel, 117 Holt Drive, Madison, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Vevay Cemetery.
Friends and family may call on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the funeral home.
The family requests no flowers but memorial contributions be made to the Jefferson County Animal Shelter or the North Madison Baptist Church. Contribution envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be made at www.lytlefuneralhomes.com.
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