Gerald "Jerry" R. Phelps
August 6, 1943 ~ September 19, 2021
Gerald “Jerry” R. Phelps, age 78, of Thompson passed away Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Regency Hospital of Cleveland. He was born August 6, 1943 in Toledo the son of Arvill and Hazel (Byers) Phelps. He attended Waite High School in Toledo and then went on to obtain a Bachelor of Education at University of Toledo. He married the love of his life Merry L. Bright on August 14, 1965. Jerry worked at National Steel as an engineer for 10 years. After working 20 years, he retired from Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company in 2004.
Jerry was a Model Airplane Enthusiast and spent many hours in his workshop building airplanes and traveling the country with Merry. He and his wife were known as “Team Phelps”. He also loved baking and was an excellent pie maker. He enjoyed taking his family on yearly camping trips to Aloha State Park in Michigan.
He is survived by daughters, Amy L. Wasson, Lori (Rich) Miller; grandchildren, Emily (Jake), Allissa, Lindsey, Sydney and Julia. He was preceded in death by brother, Orville; sisters, Donna, Marion, Bonnie and Phyllis; beloved dog, Abby; and his parents.
Private Family Services will be observed. Contributions may be made In Jerry’s name to The Academy of Model Aeronautics, 5161 East Memorial Drive, Munci, IN 47302. The Behm Family Funeral Home of Madison is assisting the family at this time. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
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We are deeply sorry for your loss
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Frank and Sue
When I was little, we were all at Grama and Granpa Bright’s house. That is where I saw him the most. Us kids would be playing and Uncle Jerry was always close by in the background, smoking his pipe and smiling at all our noise. If you saw Aunt Lynne ( Merry) right next to her was Uncle Jerry. That’s always going to be my most vivid memory. I wasn’t close with him but I was never to afraid to sit on his lap. He was just a lot of fun as a child would remember. Except he always talked funny with that pipe in his mouth and it made me stare. I guess I was always intrigued by both~
Many wonderful memories forever. Praying for all the people he touched, Tony and Sue King (sister and brother in law)
My sincere condolences and prayers for the family during this difficult time. Merry Lynne, my big sister, please know that I'm thinking of you. Love,P
I worked with Jerry at Cleveland-Cliffs until my retirement. Jerry was a very kind and thoughtful fellow employee. May his soul rest in peace.
Jerry was generous and congenial. Many do not know that he was a nationally known model aerobatics builder, designer, and flyer, having visited Europe twice as a member of the US control-line aerobatics team and placed high. He and wife Merry – “Team Phelps” – were well-loved members of the aeromodeling family. He was particularly generous with me.