Jerry Oliver Standeford

Jerry O. Standeford, 91, of Martinsville, Indiana, ascended peacefully to heaven to be with his heavenly Father on Sunday, June 9, 2024, after a battle with cancer and heart disease. At the time of his passing, his loving wife, Lova, of thirty-seven years, and his children were by his side at home.

Jerry was born during the Great Depression, on October 23, 1932. He was the fourth of seven sons to his father, Royal, and his mother, Alma Standeford. After attending Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis, Jerry joined the U.S. Army in 1952, during the Korean War, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his service to our country.

After the war, Jerry worked as a salesman for Frito-Lay, retiring after twenty-seven years. He then worked for five years at a manufacturing plant that made restaurant furniture. After retirement, Jerry and Lova moved to Spencer, Indiana. Jerry loved living in the cabin they built, fishing in the pond, and taking care of their Saint Bernard dogs. He was an artist that made stained glass and wood products. He was very involved in the community, serving at church, and at the Lion’s Club. During this time, Jerry attended a “Walk to Emmaus” weekend to strengthen his spiritual journey. Soon thereafter, he founded The Cross Ministry, a non-profit organization with a mission to spread the gospel of Christ. This resulted in Jerry designing, making, and donating over 30,000 handmade horseshoe nail-crosses across three decades. He was known by many as “The Cross Man”. Jerry’s legacy will live on because he passed his spiritual gift on to another. Jerry was also a member of River Valley Christian Church in Martinsville and attended faithfully.

Jerry was a loving father of five children: Fred (Laura), David, Andrew, Kathleen, and Patricia (Dean) Jewell. During their childhood, the family lived on Michigan Road in Indianapolis. When Jerry and Lova married July 5, 1986, he became a proud step-father to Michael (Cheryl) Brady, Patty (Toni) Brady, and Jennifer (Jimmie) Phillips.

Jerry loved spending time with his twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren. He was loved by his dear friends and family members because of his wonderful smile and unwavering kindness.

A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will take place Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the American Legion, 701 E. Morgan Street, Martinsville, IN 46151. Military honors will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. The family will provide lunch and drinks.

Neptune Society is in charge of cremation arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting: https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/jerry-standeford-10904972.