Gerald Inbody Obituary

Gerald R. "Jerry" Inbody

Gerald (Jerry) Richard Inbody peacefully entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, July 20, 2024, surrounded by his family.

He was born March 17, 1935, in Bluffton, to Cleo ("Nick") and Gladys (Boehm) Inbody. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jenera. He remained a lifelong member, having various positions within the church.

Gerald married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Eilene (Pifer), on June 12, 1954, at Good Hope Lutheran Church, Arlington. They shared the love and joy of marriage for 60 years until her passing in June, 2014.

Gerald is survived by four children, Steve (Karen) Inbody, Mike (Jayme) Inbody, KrisAndra (Jon) Russell, and Jennifer (Shawn) Griggs; 10 grandchildren, Nick (Diana) Inbody, Stefan (Chelsea) Inbody, Nicole Inbody, Alexandria (Ryan) McDowell, Jacob (fiancé, Brooke Slezak) Russell, Caden Russell, Olivia (Nathan) Zuercher, Jared Griggs, Brady Griggs, and Owen Griggs; five great-grandchildren, Ethan, Arden, Avery, Emilia, and Baylor Inbody; sister, Carol (Charlie) Breitigam; and lifetime friend from The Plains, Dolly Adams.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Cleo and Gladys; wife, Shirley Eilene; and grandson, Joshua Russell.

Gerald graduated from Arlington Local School in 1953 and from Findlay College in 1960. He was a teacher and coach for 40 years at Hardin Northern, The Plains, Athens, and Cory-Rawson Schools. As a football coach at Athens High School, his team won the SEOAL Championship and he was SEOAL Coach of the Year in 1971. He was the Southeastern Ohio Class AAA Coach of the Year in 1971 and 1972. At Cory-Rawson High School, he won boys basketball BVC championships in 1975-1976 and 1978-1979, including BVC Coach of the Year in each of those seasons. He was the 1975-1976 Class A Coach of the Year in Ohio. He also coached football at Cory-Rawson for many years. As the head football coach, he won the BVC Championship as well as BVC Coach of the Year in 1992. Gerald was inducted into both the Hancock Sports Hall of Fame and the Athens High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

While he had many accomplishments on the football field and basketball court, one of his biggest achievements was teaching his students and athletes about life, honesty, humility, hard work, and trusting in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He served as a father figure to many of his students and players. He was passionate about spending time with family and enjoyed vacationing in Hilton Head Island and Pigeon Forge. He rarely missed a sporting event for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Gerald was a lifelong farmer and was frequently seen driving around the area in his red pickup truck. While he lived in The Plains, he co-owned and operated The Plains Mobile Gas Station, which was the source of many good stories over the years.

Gerald was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He touched the lives of many families and friends who will always remember him. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Gerald's funeral will be 11 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jenera, with Pastor Steve Ramsey and Deb Noll officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, and 10-11 a.m. Thursday at the church, 9340 TR 32, Jenera.

Memorials can be made to the Gerald and Eilene Inbody Scholarship, in care of Crates Funeral Home, 205 W. Sandusky Street, Findlay, Ohio, 45840, or St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church.

CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Arlington, is assisting family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be shared with the family by visiting coldrencrates.com.