Jerry D. Clay, age 82, of Mendon, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Ohio Health in Van Wert.

He was born February 12, 1942, in Greenville, to the late Darrel W. "Boogie" and Alberta M. (Rider) Clay. Jerry and Sheryl Diane Butcher were married on November 30, 1963, and she preceded him in death November 22, 2022.

Surviving are their children: Tim Clay of Haviland; Terri Jutte of Celina; and Traci (Kevin) Mendenhall of Scott. A son, Todd Allen Clay, passed away in 2007.

Also surviving are Jerry's brother, Tom Clay, of Mendon, eight grandchildren: Chandler Clay, Katie Clay, Kaylie (Devin) Joseph, Rachel Jutte, Jared Jutte, Cody (Madison) Hagaman, Seth (Erika) Mendenhall, and Taylor Hagaman, and seven great-grandchildren. Sheryl's brothers and sister, Dallas Butcher, Jack Butcher, Jim (Donnetta) Butcher, and Deb (Mike) Schumm, also survive.

He was preceded in death by sisters-in-law: Marcia Clay, Marie Butcher, and Lois Butcher, and Sheryl's parents: Gale and Wilma (Alt) Butcher.

Jerry was a 1961 graduate of Mendon-Union High School. He had worked at Spriggs Olds in Celina. For 34 years, Jerry was the co-owner/operator of Clay Automotive in Mendon. After retiring from the automotive shop, he worked for Belna Petroleum in Rockford for five years. Jerry was very devoted to helping his wife Sheryl, first with all her creative building and decorating projects and then as a caregiver as her health declined. Jerry loved the outdoors, camping, fishing and coon hunting, and in later years just watching wildlife. He also enjoyed attending his grandkids and nieces and nephews sporting events.

Visitation will be held for friends and family on Monday, April 1, from 2 to 6 p.m. at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Mendon. Burial will take place at a later date at St. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery in Liberty Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, ASPCA or any local Humane Society.

Condolences can be expressed to Jerry's family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.