March 30, 1944 – May 1, 2025
Jerry Lynn Leavell, 81, Rochester, passed away at 5:50 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, at his residence.
He was born on March 30, 1944, in Rochester, the son of Robert D. and Hazel Marie (Boldry) Leavell. He graduated from North Caston High School in 1962. On July 27, 1968, in Greentown, he married the love of his life, Betty Ann Barker, and they spent 57 wonderful years together.
Jerry graduated from Purdue University with a degree in agriculture education. He started his professional career teaching at Eastern High School and at Clinton Central High School before becoming a salesman for Funks G Seeds and district and regional sales manager for Kent Feeds. He worked for many years as an insurance agent for Indiana Farm Bureau and recently retired in January 2025 as a crop insurance agent. He had also been founder and president of Evangelistic Education Ministries.
Jerry had been a member of the Cross Church and the Rochester Optimist Club. He enjoyed reading, writing articles for E.E.M., following Purdue University sports, and loved spring time to monitor all the spring planting.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Leavell, Rochester; children, Michelle Leavell, Indianapolis, Parry S. (Tina) Leavell, Auburn; grandchild, Luca Leavell, Auburn; siblings, Jack (Nancy) Leavell, Cary, North Carolina, Jeff Leavell, Fenton, Mo., Judy (Ken) Uiselt, Mercer, Pa.; his canine pal, Max; sisters-in-law, Barbara Echelbarger, Greentown, Sharon Sharp, Indiana, Zana (Terry) Hall, Wisconsin, Alice Leavell, Noblesville, Indiana; brothers-in-law, Wayne Steele, Florida, and Mason Landis, Marion; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan Steele; brother, Joe Leavell; and sister-in-law, Donna Jean Landis.
No services are scheduled at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to The Cross Church, (www.werthecross.com – giving). Arrangements by are being handled by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com
