Gerald T. Rose (Jerry), 93, of Marion, passed away at 12:06 pm on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones, at his home in Marion. He was born in Brewers, Kentucky, on December 3, 1931, to James Holland and Hilda Jane (Sutherland) Rose. On May 29, 1982, he married his loving wife, Connie M. Grise Rogers, and she survived.
Jerry graduated from Benton High School in Benton, Kentucky. Murray State University provided an opportunity to stay close to home and family while obtaining both Bachelors and Masters degrees in physics, chemistry, and education. Jerry enjoyed sharing stories about his life in Marshall County, Kentucky. The values of family, faith, and education were central to Gerald throughout his life. Jerry became a member of Pi Sigma Pi, the National Physics Society.
Immediately upon graduation, Jerry joined the Army in 1953. His education positioned him to serve in technical duties, assisting in the development of strategic bomb table calculations. He flew with the Air Force in these assignments, traveling across the country. Prior to his discharge in 1955, Jerry and Norma Jean Cox were married in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Following his military discharge, Jerry began working as an engineer in Marion, Indiana, at RCA, where he retired after 35 years. Joining the American Legion was one way of remaining in touch with other military storytellers.
Jerry was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church of Marion and later Jonesboro, where he served as a Deacon and Elder, often called upon for leadership in special projects. Norma Jean Cox and Jerry were blessed with four children during their marriage. Following the early death of Norma Jean, Jerry decided he would provide support to Marion General Hospital by volunteering, where he completed 25 years of service. Gardening was a skill with produce shared with friends and neighbors! Jerry was involved in Boy Scouts, Little League, and neighborhood parenting, often being called Reverend G.T. for his oversight of the kids!
He is survived by his wife, Connie; daughters, Patricia Rose of Carmel, Sheila (Jerry) Thompson of Champions Gate, FL, and Sherri (John) Miller of Fort Wayne; sons, David (Susan) Rose of Westfield, Michael (Ellen) Rose of Menlo Park, CA, and Jeffrey (Paige) Rose of Noblesville; brother, Bobby Lynn Rose of Hopkinsville, KY; grandchildren, including Eli, Ava, Stephanie, Stacie, Samantha, Shelbie, David, Jordan, Taylor, Reagan, Harrison, McKinley, John, III, Jack, Rachel, Meredith, and Annabeth, Billy; and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Norma Jean; father, James Holland Rose; mother, Hilda Jane Rose; sister, Carroll Rose; and grandson, Avrey Rose.
Visitation is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following visitation, a service to celebrate Gerald’s life will begin at 3:00 pm. Dan Bowell will be officiating with burial taking place at Benton Cemetery in Benton, Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Grant County or Marion-Grant County Humane Society.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
