Jerry Scott Hislip was born December 23, 1936 to Delbert and Glen Opal Hislip, in Freelandville, IN. He spent many of his formative years working with his grandfather, Walter Hislip, on the family farm. His grandfather fostered his life long love of driving by teaching him to drive a tractor at the age of 14.
He graduated from Freelandville High School in 1954. He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Sue Dunkerly, on November 6, 1955, who predeceased him in 1985. Together, Jerry and Carolyn brought Mary Jane, Kyle and Brian into the world. Their early life together was spent in Vincennes, where he began his first career of selling cars for Elson G. Sims.
Next he took advantage of his considerable skills as a landscaper and moved the family to the west coast of Florida, where they remained during much of the 1960’s.
In late 1969, the family returned to Vincennes. Jerry started working at Essex Wire, where he served as union president and eventually became a shift foreman. Prior to retiring, he returned to his first love of selling cars for Dick Leonard Ford.
Jerry found love again and married Margaret Lancaster on June 14, 1986, and they successfully blended their families. Jerry had an extraordinary gift for making everyone he knew feel special. He did this by being a great listener and through his assurances that anything you wanted to keep confidential would remain so. He also taught many of their children and grandchildren how to drive.
Known for his optimism, he started every day by declaring, “It’s going to be a great day!”
Jerry was open about the fact that earlier in his life, he struggled with alcoholism. He delighted in giving the credit for his recovery to God, and enjoyed sharing his faith with others. One of his most important activities in his later years was sharing the Bible verse of the day on Facebook. He didn’t attend a particular church, but faithfully watched Charles Stanley and loved to share his message.
He was an enthusiastic fan of NASCAR, the Colts, and Elvis Presley, and learning new things on his iPad.
Jerry adored all animals, especially dogs. He will be sadly missed by Rocky, his most recent dog. But he will undoubtedly enjoy being reunited with some special dogs from the past, including Stallone, Mitzi and The Boggs. Friends who would like to support his favorite charity may make donations to the local pet adoption service, the Vincennes Pet Port, at 1128 River Rd., Vincennes, IN 47591.
He passed away on June 15, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes, after a short illness. Friends may call on the family on Friday, June 19th at the Goodwin Crematory at Gardner-Brockman Chapel, 505 Main St., Vincennes, IN 47591. Calling will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a Memorial/Sharing of Memories taking place at 7:00pm.
He will be remembered for his unfailing kindness by his survivors, who include: his wife, Margaret Hislip; his children, Mary Jane Mitchell (John Mitchell); Kyle Hislip (Jill Cagney); Brian Hislip (Nancy Wagner-Hislip); Mary Ferrin (Bruce Howell); Sandy Swick (David Day); Cheryl Lancaster (Brian Taylor); his grandchildren, David Mitchell (Alaa Talji); Mark Mitchell; Carolyn Hislip; Eamon Cagney; Paul Hislip; Daniel Cagney; Tara Hislip; Michelle Meuser (Jason Meuser); Nicky Jones (Luke Jones); Alicia Ferrin; Preston Swick (Chelsea Swick); and Lexi Lancaster; his great grandchildren, Elizabeth Jones; Noah Jones; Carleigh Meuser; Kyle Meuser; Mariam Mitchell; Omar Mitchell; Emily Lancaster; and Isabel Lancaster.