He was born Aug. 3, 1938, in Ponchatoula, La., to Eddie and Pearl (Johnson) Rose.

Mr. Rose is survived by one daughter, Alicia R. King of Elkhart; one granddaughter; and one brother, James Joe Rose of Ponchatoula.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Jr.

Friends may call one hour prior to Friday's noon funeral service at the Community Baptist Church on Chapman Avenue. The Rev. Lafate Owens will officiate. Burial will follow in Prairie Street Cemetery. Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is handling arrangements.

Mr. Rose was a molding machine operator at Adams & Westlake, Elkhart, for more than 30 years until the plant closed in the late 1990s. He continued to work in an Elkhart area foundry until his retirement in the early 2000s.

He loved to cook and barbecue for his friends and family, and his get-togethers usually ended up involving the entire neighborhood. Mr. Rose listened to all kinds of music and loved to dance. He attended church, watched sports on TV, was an avid football fan and enjoyed betting on the game.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to his granddaughter, Zaria King. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.