Gerald W. “Jerry” Hayes, 88, of Fortville, passed away Friday, May 8, 2026, in Indianapolis. He was born August 20, 1937, in North Vernon, Indiana to Thomas A. and Martha (Somerville) Hayes. Jerry graduated from Hanover High School and attended IUPUI in Indianapolis. Jerry was also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves.

Jerry enjoyed being on the land. He gardened and enjoyed camping with his wife and family in Madison, Indiana. He was a member of the Fortville Lions Club, Heartland Camping Club, Fortville  F& AM Lodge No. 207, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis and attended Fortville Christian Church.

Jerry retired as the Superintendent of the Electroplating Department of RCA Records in 1988. He was one of the final employees working there when the plant was closed. He worked for RCA for 32 years before retirement. Jerry then went to work for Subaru-Isuzu Automotive in Lafayette from his retirement from RCA until 1995.

Jerry is survived by son Randy (Lisa Gambrel) Hayes of Fortville, grandchildren Paige Pierce, Amy Hayes, Taylor (Trenton) Cuhel,  Joshua (fiancé Alice Chung) Reitz and Nicole (David) Moyers, great grandchildren Ellis, Carlyle, Augustine, Noah and Jaselynn, and great grandson Trenton Lee Cuhel III on the way, siblings Marilyn (Roger Karnes) Owen and Frank Hayes and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Edie, daughter DeAnna Pierce, his parents listed above as well as siblings Barbara M. Shelley, Hazel Pierce, Allie Hunt and Joseph Hayes.

A funeral to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held at 11:30 am on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Gravel Lawn Cemetery Chapel 9088 W 1025 South Fortville, IN 46040. Friends may call at the chapel on Monday from 10:30 am until the time of service. Burial will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Seals Funeral Home, Fortville is grateful to assist Jerry’s family during their time of loss.

Online condolences may be shared at www.sealsfuneralhome.com