Jerald E. Schwomeyer

10/30/1934 - 3/15/2020

Jerald E. Schwomeyer age 85, of Portland passed away Sunday morning March 15, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Indianapolis on October 30, 1934 the son of Alfred and Edith (Poff) Schwomeyer. He was married September 9, 1956 to Julia A. Binegar at the Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ in Indianapolis. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Three children Fred Schwomeyer (wife Susan) of Indianapolis, Sheri Arbuckle (husband Doug) of Redkey and Jim Runkle (wife Shauna) of Portland.

He is also survived by grandchildren Dustin Ruchgy, Tyler Arbuckle, Trevor Arbuckle (wife Kelley), Amanda Rae (fiance Devon Jones), Lauren Hemmelgarn (husband Ben), Gracie Runkle, Noah Arbuckle and Christian Runkle. Great grandchildren Daityn and Daxten Rae, Emma Ruchgy, Riley Ann and Jonathan Arbuckle and Gage and Ozzy Jones. He is survived by siblings James Schwomeyer (wife Joyce), Ronald Schwomeyer (wife Marilla), Carolyn Crump (husband Leonhard) and sister in law Carole Schwomeyer.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred H and Edith (Poff) Schwomeyer, brother Warren Schwomeyer and sister and brother in law Anna and Gordon Nichols.

Jerry graduated from Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis in 1952, served with the United States Army in the Signal Corps from 1957 – 1959 and again during the Berlin Crisis in 1961-1962. He earned an associates degree from Ivy Tech in electronics. Jerry worked for Price Implement in Portland, Berne Hardware and Reidenbach in Decatur all John Deere dealers. He and his wife Julia also ran a dairy farm in Greene Township for several years.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Portland where he served as Deacon and an Elder.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday March 18, 2020 at 11:30 AM in the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Rex Espiritu presiding. Private burial services will follow in the Claycomb Cemetery. Visitation will be in the First Presbyterian Church from 10:00 – 11:30 AM. Memorials can be made to Jay County High School Baseball Team, First Presbyterian Church of Portland or the donors choice. Baird-Freeman Funeral Home of Portland are in charge of arrangements.


Baird-Freeman Funeral Home; March 16, 2020
Contributed by Jim Cox

Buried in Claycomb Cemetery