Jerald “Jerry” E. Reaves, 85, formerly of Marion, passed away in Anderson on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. He was born in Hartford City on Thursday, July 8, 1937, to James and Maxine (Keever) Reaves. He married Edna (Sharp) Pyle in 1967 and became an instant father to five children.
Jerry was a proud poet who loved to share his poems with the world. He touched many people with his talent for writing. Jerry was a natural-born comedian and entertainer, known to his grandchildren as “Grandpa Funny”. He spent many open-mic nights doing stand-up comedy at Beatniks in downtown Marion, where he became somewhat of a mascot with many fans cheering him on. He was an animal lover, especially cats, and was known to pay visits to local shelters to hang out and play with the animals.
He is survived by his wife, Edna; children, Amy (Patrick) Gwaltney, Doneta Pyle, Donald (Tracy) Pyle, and Debra Brown; grandchildren, Tyler Loftis, Tahitia Pyle, Shane Pyle, Dustin Pyle, Amanda Joris, Daniel Pyle, Diana Pyle, Jason Brown, and Kelsey Brown; 17 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; step-sons, James (Lakeisha) Gwaltney and Keith Gwaltney; and several nieces and nephews, sharing a special bond with nephew, Mark Reaves.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Lee Reaves; daughters, Diana Pyle and Denise (Pyle) Cochran; grandson, Shawn Pyle; and son-in-law, Randy Brown.
There will be no services at this time, with a family celebration of life to be planned at a later date.
Anyone wishing to honor Jerry can make a contribution to an animal shelter of choice in his name.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral and Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Jerald, please visit our floral store.