Edward A. “Ed” Jernigan, 85, of Jonesboro, passed away in his home at 10:12 am on Monday, February 20, 2023. He was born in Jonesboro on Saturday, February 27, 1937, to Edward and Marguerite (Pace) Jernigan. He married Carol Lykins and she preceded him in death. On April 19, 1997, he married Marilyn Ruth Vandermark and she preceded him in death.
Ed was a 1955 Graduate of Mississinewa High School received his Barbers License in 1956. He went on to serve in the United States Marines during the Korean War. Following his military service, Ed had owned a successful barber shop in Jonesboro for several years. He was a laborer in the concrete industry and was a member of Hod Carriers Local 1112. He was also involved in the Jonesboro Volunteer Fire Department and was on the Jonesboro City Council. He was a member of First Friends Church in Marion.
Ed loved visiting covered bridges and was a member of the Matthews Covered Historical Bridge Society. A highlight of his life was being married to his wife Marilyn on the Matthews Covered Bridge. Ed enjoyed watching old westerns and reading. He was an avid sports fan, and especially liked IU Basketball, the Cincinnati Reds and The Indianapolis Colts. Ed coached little league baseball and football in his earlier years. Ed was dedicated to his community and had volunteered a lot of his time and resources to make Jonesboro a better place to live, most notably, Ed helped put lights out at the Jonesboro Park Baseball Field. More than anything, Ed cherished his family and his Lord. Ed was a kind, hard working and honest man who will be missed by many.
Survivors include his sons, Dave L. (Tonia) Jernigan of Jonesboro and Greg E. Cochrane of Port Charlotte, FL; daughter, Cindy L. Higgins of Jonesboro; grandsons, Riley C. Jernigan of Jonesboro and Carson C. Jernigan of Jonesboro; granddaughters, Amber L. (Josh) Apple of Marion and Jessica R. Bowland of Indianapolis; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Haily, Elijah and Laila; sister, Mary D. (Jerry L.) Boatright of Jonesboro; brother, Richard “Dick” (Jo Ellen) Jernigan of Marion; several nieces, nephews and friends; his companion and first wife, Dixie Means; and his dog, Maggie.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edward W. Jernigan; mother, Marguerite Jernigan; wives, Carol Sue Jernigan and Marilyn Ruth Jernigan; grandson, Cody C. Jernigan; brothers, Dave Jernigan, Steve Jernigan and Tony Jernigan; and his dog, Bubby.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral and Cremation Services, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a Funeral Service to celebrate Ed’s life will begin at 1:00 pm. with Pastor Bob Streeter officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Gas City.
Memorial contributions may be directed to The Cody C. Jernigan Scholarship c/o Grant County Community Foundation 505 W. 3rd St., Marion, IN 46952; The Jonesboro Park 414 S. Main St., Jonesboro, IN 46938; or The Jonesboro Fire Department 215 W. 6th St., Jonesboro, In 46938.
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