Jerry A Abbott, 82, died on Sept. 22, 2024. Jerry was born April 6, 1942, at Home Hospital in Lafayette, Ind., to Stanley R. and L. Marcille (Brown) Abbott. Jerry was married to Jean Ann (Scamahorn) Abbott for 58 years. They have one daughter, Deborah Abbott. He attended early grade school at Darlington, Ind., then moved to Pittsboro, Ind., where he graduated in the Class of 1960. Jerry received a B.S. Degree in Industrial Management, with an Industrial Economics major, from Purdue University and a graduate degree in Banking from the University of Wisconsin. He also held an Indiana Real Estate Broker's License from 1973 until he went inactive a few years ago. Jerry proudly served in the Air Force Reserve at Bakalar AFB and Grissom AFB from 1965 to 1971.

Jerry spent more than 40 years in banking, most of that time was spent in Community Banking. Jerry believed that strong communities helped build strong community banks and strong community banks helped build strong communities. He started his banking career with Merchants National Bank in Indianapolis in 1965, moved to the Farmers State Bank in Zionsville in 1969, and grew with the bank until 1995, when the bank underwent three mergers and name changes (Mid State Bank, Mid State Bank of Merchants National Corp., and National City Bank). While at National City, Jerry was a member of the Hendricks County Economic Development Partnership and served as President, Board Member, and long-time member of the Finance Committee for the Hendricks County Community Foundation. Jerry ended his banking career heading up the Western Marion County/Hendricks County Region for National City. After retirement from active banking, he consulted with the State Bank of Lizton for more than 10 years.

During his time in Zionsville, Jerry was a 25-year member of the Zionsville Lions Club. The Lions Club Building was completed and dedicated during his term as President. He was the first Treasurer of the Hussey-Mayfield Public Memorial Library, managing the first publicly funded budget through the approval process which lead to the great facility Zionsville now enjoys. He was a member of the Greater Zionsville Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the Town Crier Award. Jerry served on the Boone County Extension Board, the 4-H Fair Board, and the 4-H Council. He was awarded the Friend of Extension award for Boone County and the 4-H Alumni Award. He also represented Boone County in the P-CARET (Purdue-Council for Ag Research Extension & Teaching) Organization being elected State President in 1998. Jerry was awarded the State Friend of Extension Award in 1999. He was also a proud member of the Boone County Purdue Club. Jerry served on the Boone REMC Board for nine years.

Jerry was a member of the 40 Year Club of the Indiana Bankers Assoc. He also served on the Board of Directors and was a long time Member of the Legislative Committee. He was pleased to make many trips to Washington, D.C., to interact with the state's legislators and regulators both for the Indiana Bankers and P-CARET.

Jerry and Jean were active members of the Traders Point Christian Church and numerous Bible study groups for more than 40 years. Having been raised on a small cattle and grain farm, Jerry accumulated plots of farm ground. Believing that all ultimately belonged to the Lord, he wanted to be a good steward and left each plot in better condition than when he acquired it. Over the years, Jerry cared for many animals including cattle, horses, "barn cats," and dogs. He never met a dog that he didn't like, and they all loved him. He enjoyed many and each one was special. A gift he passed on to his daughter. In his leisure time, he was either playing with his dogs or had a book in his hand—usually the Bible or Bible related. Jerry and family and friends enjoyed summer trips to Bay View (Petoskey) Mich. to their third-generation cottage for more than 70 years.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jeannie, and his daughter, Deborah. He also enjoyed his relationship with many cousins.

Visitation will be from 3pm to 6pm Thursday September 26 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.  Funeral services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.