Willis Jerald “Jerry” Mesker, 84, of Marion, left home to be with Jesus at 4:00 am on Friday, March 10, 2023. He was born in Scottsville, Kentucky, on Tuesday, March 15, 1938, to Willis and Lillie (Horn) Mesker. He married Shirley G. Scott on June 27, 1965, and she survives.
Willis attended Swayzee High School and served in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Specialist 4 and had earned top clearance. Following his honorable discharge, Willis was a welder for 41 years with General Motors (Marion), retiring in 2000.
Willis enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he liked his annual trips to southern Indiana to go turkey hunting with his grandson and friends. He was a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo. He was a skilled craftsman who enjoyed woodworking, and he had made several toys, clocks, and furniture over the years. He was an avid IU basketball fan. More than anything, Willis cherished his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren. Willis was dedicated to his faith and family. He was a friendly man who never met a stranger, and he was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. He will be missed dearly.
In addition to his loving wife of 57 years, survivors include his sons, Michael W. Mesker of FL, Mark A. (Laurie) Mumaw of Gas City, and Jerry L. (Teresa) Mesker of FL; daughter, Brenda L. (Ed) Lovato of NV; grandsons, Adam (Jennifer) Mesker, Parker (Ashley) Mumaw, Prestin Mumaw, Jerald (Breanna) Mesker, Jr., Christopher Mesker, and David (Kelly) Kaznocha; granddaughters, Jennifer Mesker, Amanda Lovato, Lisa Marie Kaznocha, and Laura (Jerry) Dominguez; 16 great-grandchildren; plus several nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by parents; daughter, Wanita McCrory; brothers, John Meador and James Meador; and sisters, Irene Oswalt, Louise Mitchell, and Wanda Stratton.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church, 2960 E. 38th St., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Willis’ life will begin at 1:00 pm with Rev. Joel Gearhart officiating. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st St., Ste. 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN 46933.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Willis, please visit our floral store.