Jerry Dwain McClarren, 84, went to be with the Lord on April 30, 2026. Born on November 11, 1941, in Linton, Indiana, to Dallas and Wilma (Wells) McClarren, Jerry was raised on the family farm in Worthington, Indiana. As a young boy he helped with dairy cows and field work, was active in 4-H and played the piano at home and at church. His high school years were filled with many activities including band, singing first tenor in the barbershop quartet, student council, and Beta Club.
After graduating from Worthington Jefferson High School, Jerry graduated from Indiana University where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and the Marching Hundred playing the cornet. He continued his college career at the Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana.
While at IU, Jerry met Carolyn Poindexter in October of 1963, and they were married on August 29, 1964, in Washington, Indiana. The couple lived in Indianapolis until his completion of dental school. After graduating from dental school, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Ft. Polk, Louisiana for 2 years.
After serving in the Army, the couple returned to Washington, Indiana, where Jerry practiced dentistry for more than 30 years. People still talk about his gentle manner and the quality of his work.
Jerry was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and a loyal member of the Eagles, American Legion, and Elks Club.
As an avid fisherman, Jerry fished professionally for several years and once said he felt closest to God in his boat on the water. His fishing expeditions took him from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. One of his most beloved traditions was the annual Red Fish 4 trip to Louisiana which supplied enough fish for his summer fish fries. He took pride in teaching his grandchildren to fish, ski, and play blackjack on family trips to Paris Landing/Kentucky Lake.
After Carolyn’s passing in 2011, Jerry was lucky enough to find companionship with Gloria Ackerson, a former IU classmate. They enjoyed going to shows, gardening, traveling, spending winters in Florida, and listening to music at the local coffee shop.
Gardening was a passion that allowed him to grow and share a variety of vegetables with family and friends. He was particularly proud of the bunching onions that he maintained for many years, carrying on a tradition started in Greene County in the 1950s.
Throughout the years, Jerry acquired many monikers and titles: J.D., Doc, Carpo, Poppy, Husband, Uncle, and most importantly, Dad.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dallas and Wilma McClarren; infant sister; wife of 46 years, Carolyn Poindexter McClarren; and his infant son, Joseph David McClarren. He is survived by his daughters, Anita (Kevin) Bush, Heather (Craig) Spinner and Emily (Nathan) Headley; his grandchildren, Courtney (Roger) Hand, Larren (Amber) McDonald, Jonah Spinner, Libby Spinner, McClarren Headley, Elijah Headley; great grandchildren, Hadlee Hand, Leelen Hand, Aspen McDonald; sister Dina (Denny) Waggoner; sister-in-law Laura Elkins; 4 nieces and 1 nephew; and his companion, Gloria Ackerson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:
Heart to Heart Hospice 415 E 6th St, Jasper, IN 47546,
Shriners Hospital for Children https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/give/716725/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=shrinerschildrens&c_src2=ways-to-give, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.
Graveside service will be June 20, 2026 at Oak Grove Cemetery, 2383 Oak Grove Rd, Washington, IN 47501, at 12pm EDT followed by celebration of life from 1-4pm EDT at Ironwood Social, 908 Bedford Rd, Washington, IN 47501.
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