Gerald (Jerry) Lee Hancock

Gerald “Jerry” Lee Hancock, 80, of St. John, IN passed away on July 9, 2026.  He was born on January 14, 1946, in Hammond, IN to Robert Paul and Joan Marilyn Hancock. Jerry graduated from Dyer Central Highschool with the Class of 1963.   
  
On June  12,1965, Jerry married the love of his life, Linda. They shared 55 wonderful years of marriage until her untimely passing in 2021.  
  
Jerry is survived by his daughters Christine (Jeffrey) Swan and Paula (James Taylor) Anderson, as well as Paula’s former spouse, Craig Anderson. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Meredith Swan; Kayle (Thomas) Kenzel; Regan (Jonathan Ceja) Hein; Ethan (Abbie Dobrickey) Anderson; and Lillian Anderson. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Vada Hein, Hadley Kenzel, Ava Hein and Ryder Kenzel. He is also survived by his brother Robert Paul Jr. (Rose) Hancock; sister-in-law, Loretta Maar; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda; parents, Robert Paul and Joan Marilyn Hancock; and his brothers, James Hancock and Michael Hancock.    
  
He was a beloved husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather. Jerry’s career as an electrician began with the  IBEW Local #697 Hammond,  IN. His adventurous side took him to Alaska where he worked up and down the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline and with the Department of Defense as a civilian electrician working on the Distant Early Warning System across Alaska, Canada and Greenland. Upon returning from adventures up North, he began work with the School City of Hammond.  Rather than retire, Jerry began a new chapter as Safety Director for Walsh and Kelly Paving Contractors for over 10 years. He retired after a distinguished 50+ year career as a proud electrician and union member of  IBEW Local 697 Hammond,  IN.  

Jerry came from a family rich in Masonic lineage. A dedicated Freemason, Jerry began his Masonic journey with Garfield Lodge No.569 was a dual member of and later served as Past Master and Secretary of Griffith Lodge No.735.  At the time of his passing, he was Treasurer of McKinley Lodge No.712, member of Orak Shrine Michigan City, Past Wise Master and 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend, member of OES #583, Past Assoc. Guardian  IOJD Bethel #96, member Nelson Lodge #130 New Zealand, member of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska: Masonic, Scottish Rite, and Shrine Clubs, just to name a few. Jerry considered his many Masonic brothers and sisters like his second family.

Jerry’s lifelong passion for the outdoors, nature, sports, hunting, and fishing began in childhood and led him on countless adventures throughout his life. He was a proud Benefactor Member of the National Rifle Association. Jerry never met a breakfast he didn’t enjoy. Fridays were faithfully spent with “the gang,” sharing good food, laughter, fellowship and lasting friendships. To say Jerry enjoyed hockey would be an understatement. He loved playing, watching, and sharing the game with his family, and  
he never missed an opportunity to watch his grandson play. Although the Chicago Blackhawks were his favorite team, his love and appreciation for the sport extended to every team in the NHL. 

Jerry requested we share his thoughts with you:  
     ●   My thanks to Almighty God for all that he has given me.  
     ●   My love for family, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren but  
         especially for my wife Linda, who  I will love for eternity.  
     ●   My love for the United States of America, my Flag and my Constitution.  
     ●   My thankfulness for true friends that  I have had the privilege to know. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July  14, 2026, from 2:00PM-7:00PM at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Avenue (one block south of Ridge Road) Highland, IN, 46322. Masonic services will be held at 7:00pm.To honor Jerry’s life and legacy donations can be made to Shriners Children’s or Riley Memorial Residence -  Hospice of Calumet Area. Interment will be private.  
  
For further information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com 
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald (Jerry) Lee Hancock, please visit our floral store.