Jerry W. Emerson, 74, of rural Hartford City, Indiana, passed away at 10:06 PM on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on Wednesday, August 13, 1952, in Camp Polk DERIDDER, LA. to Clifton Emerson and Mary Francis (Parsons) Emerson.

Jerry married Kimberley (Fishero) Emerson on Friday, May 29, 1992, at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Jerry received his bachelor's degree in social work from Ball State University. He was a member of Hartford City Wesleyan Church. Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he served as a firefighter and as a Military Training Instructor (MTI) at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.

Jerry enjoyed reading books by James Patterson, playing games on his phone, attending church functions, and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Kimberley (Fishero) Emerson of Hartford City, Indiana; his son, Jeremy Emerson of Hartford City, Indiana; two daughters, Cassandra Emerson and Tara Michelle (Clint) Musick of Athens, Texas; several grandchildren; his stepmother, Tina Emerson, of Danville, Virginia; his sister, Teresa Gammon of Danville, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifton Emerson, and his mother, Mary Frances (Parsons) Emerson.

Family and friends may gather to share and remember Jerry's life from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Hartford City Wesleyan Church, 1301 S. Walnut Street, Hartford City, Indiana.

A service to celebrate Jerry's life will follow at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Hartford City Wesleyan Church, with Pastor Aaron Case officiating. Interment will follow at Brookside Memorial Park in Montpelier, Indiana with military rites conducted by the US Air Force.

Arrangements are being handled by Walker & Glancy Funeral Home in Montpelier.

Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com.