Gerald “Jerry” Max Smith, age 85, of Norman, entered heaven’s gates on Friday, May 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1973 at the age of 31, and his faith remained central throughout his life. He attended Chestnut Street Community Church with his wife. He faithfully taught Sunday school for 47 years, served in the Indiana National Guard from 1963 to 1969, and retired from Cummins in 1996 after 37 years of service.

Jerry was known for his sense of humor and loved teasing and joking with everyone he met. He enjoyed gardening, carpentry, woodworking, and tinkering in his workshop.

Born on May 9, 1941, in Columbus, Gerald was the son of Reasy and Gledith (West) Smith, both of whom preceded him in death. On May 23, 1975, he married the love of his life, Risa (Suiter) Smith, and she survives in Norman.

Jerry was blessed with three children: two daughters, Tonya (Russ) Jordan of Washington, and Jennifer Barnett from a previous marriage; and one son, Tom (Chrystal) Smith of Norman; seven grandchildren: Hannah (Derek) Roach, Sam Jordan, Eli Jordan, Riley Smith, Pheobe Jordan, Bryan Drake, and Allison (Wyatt) Shannon; one brother, Ivan Smith; and two sisters: Elma (Ron) Trendelman, and Lois (Don) Suiter.

Besides his parents, Gerald was also preceded in death by two brothers: Alva (Lois Ann) Smith, and Willard Smith; and one sister Clara (Everett) Rose.

Funeral services for Gerald “Jerry” Max Smith will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.

Military honors will be presented by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled American Veterans 47, and Vietnam Vets 7.

Interment will be at Houston Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Chestnut Street Community Church, North Vernon.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.

Online memories and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com