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Obituary For Jerry Leon Abbitt
On August 21, 2025, Jerry Leon Abbitt, 80, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Zion Community Church of the Nazarene in Ellettsville, Indiana, on August 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Jerry was born at the family home on Starnes Road near Ellettsville, Indiana, the youngest child of Earl and Doris (Osborne) Abbitt.
Jerry attended school in Ellettsville, Indiana, from elementary through high school. He went on to study at Olivet Nazarene College in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and later transferred to Indiana University, where he earned both a B.A. and M.S. While completing his graduate degree, he served as an assistant instructor, and taught himself several computer languages, earning multiple Microsoft certifications.
He served in both the Indiana and Illinois National Guard and later with the Air Force Reserve at Bakalar Air Force Base in Columbus, Indiana.
Jerry’s professional career spanned over 35 years with Westinghouse/ABB, where he started in the mailroom and retired as Manager of the Information Technology Department. He also served as an adjunct instructor at Indiana Wesleyan University and Ivy Tech Community College in Bloomington. A gifted teacher, he inspired students and supported many small businesses with their computer and software needs. He later taught full-time at Ivy Tech in Terre Haute, retiring only due to illness.
A man of deep faith, Jerry was an active member of Zion Community Church of the Nazarene in Ellettsville for 43 years before moving to Iowa. He served the church in many roles, especially enjoying his time teaching the senior citizens’ Sunday school class, who, he said, “kept him on his toes.”
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Norma; sons, Shane (Tara) and Jason (Robbyn); granddaughters, Libby, Anna, and Sadie; sister, Charlotte Pannell (Bill); sister-in-law, Dixie Abbitt; aunt, Anise Osborne; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sondra May; and two brothers, Lavonne “Buddy” Abbitt and Ronald Gary Abbitt.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.”-Psalm 116:15
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
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Add A CondolenceNorma. Shane, and Jason, Jerry was a wonderful teacher and he was there a couple of times when I went to the alter. He had so much wisdom about the Lord! I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers and many hugs are with you all! Love you guys! Carla 🙏
Norma You and Jerry were so hospitable to us when we came to Bloomington and attended Zion over 30 years ago. Although you may not remember, you both shared numerous pieces of advice to us on raising kids. I admired how you raised your boys. Your testimonies for Christ were evident to all. My hope is in knowing we will all spend eternity together.
Jerry was a faithful man of God with a servant's heart. I am so sorry Norma and will be praying for you and your family.
To Norma, Shane, and Jason...... I would like to express my sincere condolences to each of you. Jerry was indeed a very fine man. I cannot listen to, or even think about the song entitled "Thank You" by Ray Boltz, without thinking about and being thankful for people like Jerry in my life at a very young age. I pray for each of you during this most difficult time. I pray that you find comfort in knowing without a doubt, the Jerry is in a much better place now!
-Bobby
I am so very saddened to hear of your father's passing. My condolences to Shane and the rest of the Abbitt family!
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I remember hearing Jerry talk in church about his long drive home from Ivy Tech. He said every time he passed a particular tree that it would be his reminder to talk to Jesus and pray for everyone that he knew who needed prayer the rest of his drive home. That resonated with me and it inspired me to find a daily landmark to remind myself to have that daily talk with the Lord and pray for everyone on my mind. This was many years ago, but I remember it well. I also remember the Sunday School overnights at the Abbitt house. For Norma: Deuteronomy remember 31:8 🥰
We are sending our deepest sympathy to all of your family. We only know Jason and his family, but through him we know you are all wonderful people. Please know that Jerry is watching over all of you. He will always be with you.
Sending prayers to all of you.
We are so very saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. Prayers to Norma and the boys and families.
