Gerald “Jerry” Edward Wellman, 69, passed away early morning Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

He was born to the late George and Dolores (Gardina) Wellman May 23, 1947 in Gary. On Dec. 20, 1969 he married Jane Ann Albright in Terre Haute; she survives.

Jerry was a very hard working individual. He got his start in education with the West Noble School system. He taught health education, driver’s education and coached football, baseball and wrestling. After 10 years he continued with his education background at ITT as a recruiting official and at the International Business College. Several years after that he became the Vice Principal then Principal of Central Noble High School. He retired from Trine University as the director of adult education. Jerry was the president of the Ligonier Lions Club as well as an active member of the Stones Hill Community Church. He was an avid fan of the following sports teams: Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame Football, and the New York Giants. Above all of this, his favorite thing to do was spending time with his family and creating memories with his grandchildren. Many of these family memories were spent on the beaches of Florida and South Carolina. He will be missed by many and remain in their memory as a coach, teacher, leader and friend.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane Wellman; his two children: Krista (William) Horn, Syracuse; and Aaron (Shellie) Wellman, River Vale, N.J.; grandchildren: Kade Kitson, Quinn Kitson, Carter Kitson, Olivia Horn and Hudson Horn, all of Syracuse; and Grant Wellman and Grace Wellman both of River Vale, N.J.; brother: Dan (Kim) Wellman, Portage; along with many nieces and nephews.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, George and Dolores Wellman and his brother John “Jack” Wellman.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 at Stones Hill Community Church – 151 West Stones Hill Road Ligonier, IN 46767. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7 at the Church. Pastor Joey Nelson will officiate.

Burial to take place at Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier, IN following the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Ligonier Lions Club or to Stones Hill Community Church in Jerry’s Honor.

Yeager Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.