Gerald E. Stinson

Mr. Gerald E. Stinson, 97, died at home in Bloomington, IN, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. He had a full week of visitors, friends, and family to send him off. Jerry, as he liked to be called, was born at home in Arthur, Pike County, IN, on March 11, 1927, to Etolia Naomi (Swan) and Bart Stinson, the middle son of 3 boys. He learned to read at age 4 then attended local schools, graduating from Winslow High School in 1944 as Vice President of his class. He could not join the military because he was too young; he finally convinced his parents to sign his papers to join the Merchant Marines at 17 and left for California that same day. After 6 weeks of training, he shipped out at San Francisco and traveled the world, bringing oil to military efforts in WWII. He received an Honorable discharge from the United States Coast Guard. Upon return to the states, Jerry matriculated to Indiana University in Bloomington, where he received his Bachelor degree in Economics and Political Science. He met and married Sharon Louise (McGee) on June 8, 1952, as he embarked on a journey to attend Indiana University Law School. He worked nights and attended school by day, securing his JD law degree in 1955. He worked as a Deputy Prosecutor in Marion County, IN, and later joined the law firm of DeWester, Rafferty, and Andrews in Indianapolis, where he practiced until 1970. He and Sharon were divorced in 1963; he later met and married Dr. Lillian Marie (Powers) on February 14, 1964, and was married until her death on September 17, 2009. In 1970, Jerry and family moved to Guam, USA, so he could serve as Assistant Attorney General on behalf of the federal government. Lillian taught 2nd grade. He served in that capacity for 2 years then went into private practice at Shoecraft and Crain until 1978, when he joined Lillian in Fairbanks, AK, where she had gone to be an Elementary Education Professor at the University of Alaska. They lived in Fairbanks until retirement in 1988, when they moved back to the “Lower 48” to the family farm in Cedar Springs, MI. In retirement they traveled in their camper with their pets, visited family far and wide, and made an annual summer trek to Fairbanks and wintered in Naples, FL. After he became a widower, Jerry still traveled between MI and IN and FL until 2018, when he downsized and began to spend summers in Bloomington. When the pandemic started, he came to Bloomington and spent the remainder of his amazing life here. He finished his bucket list of continents in December, 2023, when he traveled to Argentina and then, Antarctica. His reputation as a storyteller is legend; his penchant for patriotism and active membership in the Democratic Party were his life’s passions. His support for public education and higher learning helped many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren achieve their goals. He was a 71-year Mason, a Shriner Noble, and a supporter of all their endeavors. Jerry honestly was beloved by all who met him, a force of nature. There will not soon be another like him. He is survived by his children: Dee Owens, Bloomington; Bruce Stinson, Greenwood; Dayne Stinson, Bargersville; and Holly Osborne, Trafalgar. His grandchildren include Ben Priest (April), Fishers; Lorelei Woods (Tramell), Indianapolis; Larisa Stinson, Bargersville; Tina Stinson, Franklin; Kayla Stinson, Atlanta, GA; Brandi Ward, Franklin; Hilary Osborne-Nowling (Rick), Franklin; Chelsey Osborne Kemp (Ian), Morgantown; 14 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. He is also survived by his younger brother Conrad Stinson (Donna) and many, many nieces and nephews scattered across the country, from Alaska to New York. There will be a celebration of life Saturday, September 7, at Karst Farm Park, Shelters 9A and 9B, from 2-6pm, with a program at 4pm. All are welcome to come, eat, and spend time with others who loved this vibrant soul. Any donations in his honor can be sent to the Monroe County Democratic Party, PO Box 92, Bloomington, IN, 47402, or https://secure.actblue.com/donate/monroedemocrats , or to support the Masonic Home in Franklin at https://imhf.org/support/donate-online/ or by mail to Indiana Masonic Home Foundation, 525 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46204. Arrangements have been entrusted to Allen Funeral Home & Crematory in Bloomington. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.allencares.com.

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Gerald E. Stinson

March 11, 1927 - August 13, 2024