Jerry Dean Pinder, 82, of Plymouth, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, July 18, 2026 surrounded by loved ones.

He was born March 11, 1944 in Logansport to parents, the late Harold and Lora Fay (Koenig) Pinder. Jerry was a 1962 graduate of North Caston High School.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1963-1968 reaching the rank of SSG-E6. While stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he met PFC Beverly Ann Hood, and they married August 23, 1965. After returning home from their military service, they settled down in Chicago, Illinois to start their family of three children. There, Jerry met his best friend Ken O’Brien, whose son Tim would become his godson.

Jerry worked for Dearborn Food in Chicago, and in 1980, he and Beverly moved their family to Plymouth, Indiana. He commuted to Chicago for 30 years until his retirement in 2007.

Jerry also enjoyed the outdoors. He and Beverly would take their family to Shakamak State Park in southern Indiana every summer, where their children and grandchildren enjoyed cabin camping, fishing and other activities. Alongside the joy of camping with family, Jerry grew a large garden full of various vegetables, of which he would give to neighbors, friends and family all summer long. A rooster that showed up one day, who Jerry named Rudy, became a beloved companion. Rudy would “help” Jerry in the garden by un-planting corn and bean seeds as Jerry sowed them.

He was a member of V.F.W. #1121, Kewanna, member of American Legion Post 27 and member of the Moose Lodge 741, in Plymouth.

Jerry was the beloved patriarch of the family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, daughter Deanna Hale and son, Kerry Pinder as well as his four brothers, Ed, Richard, Robert and David Pinder.

He is survived by his son, Darren Pinder (Vanessa), son-in-law, Jason Hale, daughter-in-law, Stephanie Lucas, sister-in-law, Lora Ann Pinder and grandchildren, Abigail, Jacob, Olivia, Brendon (Dr. Maggie Kovalan), Brett, Jared and godson, Tim O’Brien. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 12:00 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026 at Rans Funeral Home, Kewanna Chapel, 123 E. Main St., Kewanna, IN. 46939

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Burial with military rites will be performed at Citizens I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Kewanna.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 1419 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN. 46563