Jerry Lee Claxon, 56, of Tippecanoe, Ind., passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Friday, Sept. 19, 2014.

Jerry was born on Sept. 27, 1957, to Thomas H. and Lois (Parsons) Claxon at Ashland, Ohio. He had been a resident of Tippecanoe the past 30 years. He was a 1975 graduate of East Carter County High School, Grayson, Ky. Jerry also served in the United States Air Force from June 18, 1975 until June 15, 1979. Jerry married Margaret Ockerman on June 7, 1980, she survives.

Jerry was graciously employed at Aero Metals (American Metal Testing) of LA Porte, Ind. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the care and generosity of his employer throughout his illness. He was a member of Grace Outreach Fellowship Church, Tippecanoe. He was a member of the Bourbon American Legion Post # 424 and American Society for Non-destructive Testing. He loved softball games, cars, NASCAR — — particularly a Jeff Gordon fan — and spending time with his kids and grandchildren. Jerry was very much loved by his family and will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife; four daughters: Sarah (Jerry) Claxon-Goodenough, Portage, Ind.; Mary (Billy) Hayes, Tippecanoe; Melissa (John) Koch, Mentone, Ind.; Katie Claxon, Tippecanoe (Bethel College); nine grandchildren: Makayla, Holly, Raylee, Wyatt, Abby, Kennlea, Lily, Abraham and Holliann; a sister: Julie Claxon, Millersburg, Ohio; brothers: John Claxon and Jerry Claxon, both of Raceland, Ky.; and step-mother: Jackie Claxon, Raceland.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Charles Claxon.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, 115 S. Main St. Bourbon. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at the funeral home with Larrie Kreft of the Grace Outreach Fellowship Church officiating. Burial will be in the Tippecanoe Cemetery, Tippecanoe, with military honors.

The family requests memorial contributions be directed to the Bethel College Softball Program, where his daughter, Katie, plays softball.