Gerold Lee 'Jerry' Fleming

Gerold "Jerry" Lee Fleming, 86, of Vermilion, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017 at Mercy New Life Hospice after a lengthy illness. Jerry was born May 3, 1931 in Vermilion and had been a life long Vermilion resident. He was a veteran of the US Army serving during the Korean War as an instructor for the 2nd Army 13th Tank Battalion. Jerry retired from the Ford Motor Company Lorain Assembly Plant in 1989 as an industrial electrician. Jerry was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Vermilion where he served for many years as a trustee. He was a life member of AMVETS Post #22 and the Vermilion Fish & Game, a member of the American Legion Post #397, and a strong supporter of the NRA. He enjoyed cross word and jig saw puzzles, loved playing poker with his family, and in his later years, going to the casinos to play the slots. In his retirement he enjoyed spending time in the Savanna Club, Port St. Lucie, FL. He also loved telling stories about old Vermilion. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carol (nee Vastola) Koller-Fleming of Vermilion; daughters, Linda Stotts, Deborah McDougal, Patricia (Jim) Penkava; son, Jerry Fleming; step-son, Michael (Kim) Koller; step-daughter, Cristina (Rob) Falvo; grandchildren, Michelle, John, James (Carrie), Barbra, Tim, Cory, Gage, Josh, Sarah, & Jeremy; numerous great-grandchildren; and fondly called Papa to step-grandchildren, Kaylee, Kristy & Kyle Koller, and Haley, Gina, Cara, & Tony Falvo; and a step great-granddaughter, Faith; and sisters, Elaine (Dennis) McKern and Dianna Crennan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Alice (nee Howell) Fleming; sister, Janet Montague; and brother, Ernest Fleming. The family will receive friends on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017 from 4-8 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio and on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017 from 9:30 am until the time of a 10 am funeral service at the funeral home. The Reverends Jim Cooper and Allison LeBrun will co-officiate. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors. The family suggests memorial contributions to Grace United Methodist Church, 13406 W Lake Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.