Jerry L. Barrett, 79, of Elkhart, was welcomed home by his heavenly Father on Friday, December 27, 2024, at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in South Bend, IN on February 6, 1945, to the late Rudolph Barrett and Phyllis (Snyder) Johnson.

Jerry is also preceded in death by his brother, Allan Zima and sister, Patricia Chodzinski. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Barbara Barrett; children, Rudy (Dawn) Barrett, Chris (Joy) Lee, Jay (Lisa) Barrett, Rosemarie (Joe) Fort, and Candace Strefling; grandchildren, Caden (Mae) Lee, Onycha Lee, Zachary Lee, Ilana Lee, Eli Barrett, Jayla Barrett, Jaleah Barrett, Grant Strefling, Christian Smith, Parker Barrett, Anthony (Sabrina) Barrett, Holly Barrett, Steven (Brittany) Clark, Rachel Clark, Melissa Stokely, Autumn (Dan) Higbee, Jake (Kayla) Bouman, Brittany (Jeff) Yule, and Rikki (Jordan) Snyder; 15 great grandchildren; siblings, Kim (Patricia) Barrett and Del Rae (Mike) Walsh; sister-in-law, Rose Zima; and brother-in-law, Dan Chodzinski.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. A celebration of life service will begin at noon with Military and Firefighter Honors followed by Pastor Andy Collins officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to his widow, Barbara Barrett.

Jerry was a pillar of strength for his family with the caring heart of a servant-leader and protector that saw him through all his life. He served proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam war and as a Firefighter for the City of Elkhart for 32 years. Jerry was a member of the local Elkhart DAV and was proud to support his fellow veterans. He was a hard and independent worker who became an entrepreneur with his own waste management services, Barrett Enterprises. He enjoyed full retirement for 20 years.

Jerry was lovingly known by his family as "Jer-Bear" and by his wife as the "Java man." Together Jerry and Barb ministered in marriage counseling with various couples. His love for the Lord kept him strong through all the difficult times in his life. He attended Living Faith Fellowship for many years and more recently attended Journey Worship Center.  Jerry was a man of many talents, and his warm and caring personality will be greatly missed by all who ever knew him and by his loving family.