Jerry Lee Tinkey

Jerry Lee Tinkey, 89, of rural Warsaw, Indiana passed from this life at 1:50 pm, Tuesday, March 18, 2025 surrounded by family at Peabody Retirement Community of North Manchester, Indiana. Jerry Tinkey was born on July 28, 1935, in Warsaw, Indiana, to Noah and Ina (Gearhart) Tinkey. He graduated from Mentone High School and married Sandra Waite on October 14, 1956, at Center Church in Silver Lake, she survives him. In his early career, Jerry worked as a mechanic for Oliver Equipment in Warsaw. He later co-owned and operated Tinkey Farms alongside his brother, Bill, and their mother, focusing on poultry and grain farming. After selling the farm in 1988, Jerry transitioned to selling cars at Kerlins and eventually joined Kuert Concrete, where he retired as the plant manager. Jerry was a dedicated father who instilled the value of hard work in his children, teaching them through tasks like gathering eggs, baling hay, and handling other farm duties. He was a former member of the Atwood Lions Club and Trinity United Methodist Church in Warsaw. In his free time, Jerry enjoyed tractor pulling, golfing, racing at Warsaw Speedway, painting cars, and fishing. He and Sandra shared countless adventures riding their Goldwing motorcycle across the U.S. and even into Canada with their friends, the Yieters. Jerry is survived by his wife Sandra Tinkey of Warsaw; children Renee and husband Doug Caudill of Silver Lake, Amey and husband Chris Parker of Silver Lake, Beth and husband Shaun Miller of Claypool, and Jon Tinkey and Jenny Shumaker of Claypool; grandchildren Scott, Andy, Alan, JayDee, Carissa, Ross, Alex, Addy, Kaleigh, and Owen; great grandchildren Ethan, Ian, Calvin, Collyns, Jack, Carson, Mick, Alayna, Mason; a sister Beverly “Butch” Hoffer of Warsaw. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Max, Dorothy, Bill, and Marilyn. A private graveside service will be held in the Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Lake, Indiana. The arrangements have been entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Paradigm Health Hospice & Palliative Care 10020 Lima Rd Suite D, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 or to the animal shelter of the donor’s choosing.

Jerry Lee Tinkey

July 28, 1935 - March 18, 2025