Jerry O. Deal Sr.

Mr. Jerry O. Deal Sr., known lovingly as J.D., was born on February 26, 1954, in LaPorte, Indiana, to the late Esther(Thomas) and Will E. Deal.  Jerry gained his wings on May 17, 2026, in Michigan City, Indiana.

Jerry lived his life on his terms.  He had a generous heart, and a deep love for his family. He worked hard and carried himself with dignity, earning respect everywhere he went. He believed in faith, loyalty, and doing what he wanted to do at the same time. Sometimes it was right and sometimes it was wrong. But that’s how he lived his life, with a cup of Sunset Blush and a pack of Kool cigarettes.

 
He found joy in life's simple pleasures, like good conversation, country music, Westerns, Judge Judy and most of all his family.  He loved his Cadillac, kept everything in order, and took pride in the little things that made life special. 

 
He is survived by  the love of his life Jeanette Nichols; his children, Jeanette A. (Donald) Hardman, Tojohnan Deal, Gesian Deal, Jerry (Dorian) Deal Jr., Freeman Deal, LaTonya Johnson, and Marqueita Thomas; twenty-six grandchildren and thirty-eight great-grandchildren; his siblings, Willie E. Deal, Apostle Curtis Deal, Charles Deal, Clarence (Rae-Londa) Sims, Dorothy Nieves-Corcoran, and Delores (John) Phillips; two sisters-in-law, Gayle Deal and Bobbie Deal; his special niece, Suzie Deal; two dear friends, Dennis Nixon and Charles Hampton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his parents Esther and Will Deal, one daughter, Maranda Deal; one sister, Darlene W. Deal; three brothers, Kenneth B. Deal, Donald R. Deal, Sr., and Freddie Deal Sr.; granddaughter, Treasure Johnson; grandson, Anthony Murphy; two nephews, Willie Jerome Parrish and Donald R. "DJ" Deal Jr.; his favorite Uncle Ellis Thomas Sr.; his close cousin, Ellis "June" Thomas and close friend Alvin Conley.

Jerry's legacy is one of laughter, unwavering love for his family and devotion to those he held dear. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered always.

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