Jerry Brinkman

Jerry A. Brinkman, 87, of Avon, passed away June 19, 2026. He was born December 12, 1938 in Indianapolis to the late Myron “Dutch” Joshua and Nellie Ann (Hankins) Brinkman. Jerry married the love of his life at Ben Davis Christian Church on March 30, 1957, Thelma Jean (Wilson) Brinkman, who preceded him in death in 2014. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2007, surrounded by their loving family and friends.

Jerry was a member of Plainfield Christian Church, and a former member of Ben Davis Christian Church where he served and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at the age of eleven, and Avon Christian Church where he served as a deacon and headed up the fish fry committee to raise money for the shelter house.

Jerry became a plumber apprentice in July 1957, became a Journeyman and was a member of the Plumber’s and Steamfitters Local 440, retiring in 2001. He was a 68-year member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada.

In 1963, Jerry became a member of the Avon Volunteer Fire Department. He was asked to serve as the first captain of the rescue squad, where he trained others to serve in the community in many hazardous situations.

Jerry shared his love of Christmas by volunteering as Santa Claus at local community events. He supported his children and the Avon High School band by volunteering in the band boosters and serving as booster president.

In May, you would always find Jerry at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). Jerry caddied at the Speedway golf course when he was a youth. He had a passion for watching the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. If an Indy Car or NASCAR race were on television, he would plan his schedule around watching the race. He shared this love with his family, buying Indy 500 tickets for the family for many years. There is a brick at IMS with Jerry and Gary’s names commemorating Gary’s first Indy 500 attendance with his Dad in 1965.

The family took many vacations together as Jerry’s children were growing up. They spent time camping or traveling and often traveled with friends of the family. Some of Jerry’s favorite pastimes were playing golf, cards, and visiting casinos with family and old friends. Jerry was involved in planning many of his Washington High School class reunions for the class of 1957. He always looked forward to visiting with old and new friends. He never knew a stranger. His neighbors enjoyed his friendliness and so did the wait staff at the restaurants he frequented.

Funeral services will be Thursday, June 25, at 1:30 pm at Plainfield Christian Church, Plainfield, Indiana, where friends may call from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on Thursday prior to the service. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.

Survivors include his son, Gary (Tammy) Brinkman; two daughters, Sherri (Marty) Engel and Cindy Wagner; five grandchildren, Megan (Brinkman) (Zack) Eakin, Chad (Olivia) Brinkman, David (Joralyn) Engel, Evan Wagner, Emily (Wagner) (Matthew) Alexander; nine great-grandchildren, Clark Eakin, Colton Smith, Nora Eakin, Raiden Alexander, Claire Brinkman, Grant Eakin, Jaide Alexander, Isaac Brinkman, and Heidi Brinkman; sister-in-law, Sharon Wilson Hill; brother-in-law, Curt (Susan) Wilson.

Jerry’s sister, Jo Ann “Jody” (Brinkman) Burket, and granddaughter, Jessica (Engel) Smith, preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) or Life’s Journey Hospice, Avon, IN.