Jerome “Jerry” Milford, age 66, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 10:35 a.m. at his residence. He was born in Marion on March 5, 1951 to Robert and Lila (Chenal) Milford. He married Cheri Rettig Wentz on July 30, 1999 at the Sweetser United Methodist Church.
Jerry was baptized in the Catholic Church as a child and has attended the Sweetser United Methodist Church for the last 24 years.
He graduated from Gilmour Academy in Cleveland, OH, then went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from Ball State University. Jerry was a CPA for over 40 years and was Assistant Controller for Wendy’s Restaurants for 11 years and also Financial Controller for Milford Realty for more than 20 years.
Jerry was an avid Colts fan and worked out everyday at the YMCA, where he had joined the boxing club for Parkinson’s. He was a former member of Shady Hills Golf Course. Jerry raised four boys and took an active role by being a coach and constant presence on the sidelines. He enjoyed being a member of The Fossil Lunch Club. He was also a longtime member of the Rotary Club and especially liked volunteering at the pork chop booth during the 1812 Reenactment.
He was fond of the cinema and was known to his family as an “esteemed movie critic.” Jerry always looked forward to being around his family and especially attending their annual week long Milford reunion. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Cheri Milford; Four sons: Thomas Milford, Los Angeles, CA; David (Katie) Milford, Lawrenceville, NJ; Matthew (Katie) Milford, Arlington Heights, IL; Mark (Hannah) Milford, Valrico, FL; One step son, David Wentz, Marion, IN; One step daughter, Sarah (Wesley) Hale, Avon, IN; Four brothers, Robert (Cheri) Milford, Indy; Todd Milford, Somerville, TX; Paul (Debbie) Milford, Marion, IN; Five sisters, Marguerite Ritchey, Silverthorne, CO; Lucia (David) Hale, Des Plaines, IL; Alice (Gary) Bisanz, Vernon Hills, IL; Esta (Ray) Seach, Fishers, IN; Kari (Kyle) Persinger Marion, IN; Six grandchildren: Nathan Hale, Jacob Hale, Alexandra Milford, Olivia Milford, Vince Milford, and Ellie Milford, and 18 nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, brother John Milford and niece Lucia Ritchey.
Visitation for Jerry will be Tuesday, January 2, 2018 from 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 W Kem Rd, Marion, IN 46952. Funeral services will follow at 6:30 pm.
For those who wish, memorial contributions made be made to Sweetser United Methodist Church, 413 N Main St, Sweetser, IN, 46987; or to YMCA: Parkinson’s Rock Steady Boxing Club, 123 Sutter Way, Marion, IN, 46952.
Arrangements entrusted to Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, IN.