Jerry F. Clossin
Jerry F. Clossin, 87 of Tipton died on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 7:44 p.m. at IU Health Tipton Hospital. He was born in Frankfort on April 6, 1932 to Cleo and Bonnie (Myers) Clossin. Jerry married Mardella Turner on April 2, 1953 and she survives.
Jerry was a beloved educator for 36 years, teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade Social Studies at the Tipton Middle School. He was a 1951 graduate of Frankfort High School, a 1955 Graduate of Purdue University and earned his Master’s Degree from Ball State University. He enjoyed coaching football and boys & girls basketball. Jerry was a member of West Street Christian Church and the Retired Teachers Association. He was also a member of the Tipton Elks Lodge #1012 where he was a Past Exalted Ruler, and the Tipton Kiwanis. Jerry served in the U.S. Army from July 1955 through June 1957.
Survivors include his wife, Mardella, two children, Cathy Clossin of Tipton and Robert Clossin of Wichita, Kansas & girlfriend Karen (Schinlaub) Burris. Jerry also has two grandchildren, Taylor Vincent and husband Alex and Zachary Clossin. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his brother Arthur Burl Clossin and his twin brother, Jack Clossin.
Funeral services will be at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 29 at Young-Nichols Funeral Home. Rev. Linda McKiernan-Allen will preside. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with an Elk’s Memorial service at 7:00 p.m. Private burial will be at Fairview Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the West Street Christian Church, 132 N. West Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072 or to the Ronald McDonald House, 435 Limestone Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202.
Jerry’s family would like to thank Patty Cline, Jane Anderson and Doug & Roseann Lord for all of the help they have provided Jerry & Mardella throughout the years.
I am blessed to have had Mr. Clossin as my junior high school teacher and then Jerry as a very good friend and fellow retired teacher in the Tipton County Retired Teachers Association. We also had many good times together in the gym. I think we worked our jaw muscles more than any other muscles. Rest in peace wonderful teacher and good friend.
Ralph Achenbach
I had him as a teacher. He was so nice! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him and he will be missed.
One of the teachers from my middle school days whom I still remember fondly. I believe he taught all of my siblings as well, over the years. I haven’t seen him in a long time, but still remember what a kind man he was and the sparkle in his eyes. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Mr. Clossin.
Mr. Clossin was one of the Teachers who always strived to make his students Love History. He was a favorite of many, including myself. His ability to make you smile, and to make you comfortable in his classroom was second to none. He had a sly sense of humor, that he shared with us from time to time. He will be missed my many. Love and Prayers to his Family and Friends that knew him best! Thank you for sharing him with us all those years!
He was one of my favorite teachers in middle school. Robbie, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
My condolences to the family. He was my Social Studies teacher at the old Jr. High in the early 1960s. A good man and a great teacher.
I have fond memories of his class.
Rest in Peace…
I am grateful for Mr. Clossin having patience with me when I was in junior high school. He was such a kind teacher who was willing to make time for his students who had questions and needed extra guidance.. I have not seen him since the early 1970’s but he has had an impact on my life especially as a teacher myself. I try to be there to listen to my students who need me the way Mr. Clossin was for me. He was a Christian, and a good role model. My condolences to his family. I know he will be missed.
So sorry for loss Cathy, and your families loss, may the memories you have shared help ease your pain.
Jerry was a wonderful man, and he will be greatly missed.
Tipton has lost another truly gifted teacher and a wonderful person. Theresa and I offer our deepest sympathies to all of you.
Mardella I am so sorry. Jerry was such a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
What a sweet man and great teacher. He made learning a joy. I remember he would play 45s on Fridays (if I am remembering correctly) on a school record player while we kids read our Current Events “newspaper” towards the end of class. It was a treat. I hope his family knows how well-loved their dad was by so many of his students throughout his distinguished teaching career. Be at peace, Mr. Clossin, and thank you.
Dear Mardella, Cathy, and Robbie,
I’m so sorry for your loss and I know you will greatly miss Jerr. He was definitely at the top of my list with a few others as one of my most beloved teachers.
I remember how I enjoyed watching Cathy and Robbie on the nights Mr.Clossin had to travel to Ball State in pursuit of his Master’s, and Mardella had club.
One of my fondest memories is seeing him in his crazy Corn Cobber hat at Kiwannis telling horrible but funny jokes.
Bill always enjoyed seeing him at Kiwannis and serving communioun with him at West Street.
He will be greatly missed. May you feel God’s blessings and peace
Cathy, I’ll never think of your Dad without remembering all our basketball sessions at the Jr High gym!! I am truly sorry for you and your families loss.
Mr. Clossin was one of those teachers that you didn’t want to let down. He was loved and respected by many, simply because he was a wonderful teacher and human being. I am so glad that I was lucky enough to have Mr. Clossin as a teacher and mentor. He will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry for your loss, love and prayers! I hope all your good times help you through these difficult days!
Mr Clossin was a great teacher and one of the many educators that made Tipton such a wonderful place to grow up. I know my mother, Eleanor Stilwell-Lacy considered him a good friend and cohort. So sorry to learn of his passing, and condolences to the family. I’m sure you are thankful for his long, well-lived and inspiring life!
Rest In Peace Mr.Clossin! You were one of my favorite teachers and always had a great attitude. Always looked forward to seeing you and talking to you. My favorite memory was from my 8th grade year when I challenged you to a half court shooting challenge in the gym after basketball practice and I won!
One of the best ! His classes were always interesting and fun, sometimes he’d even play his favorite song for us. I remember it was his class I was in when the Challenger exploded, he wheeled a TV in for us. I have lots of found memories of him even after school, a great man he was.
Mr. Clossin was one of my favorite teachers at the middle school. Robbie, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Reading the above condolences brings back a flood of golden memories! Yes, Susan, Mr. Clossin played 45s on Fridays because a few students would then come to my classroom singing. Ha! Jerry taught my wife and me when we were eighth graders in the old jr. high building on North Main. That is where I began my career the fall of 1971. Later, I taught Robbie and Jerry taught our sons Kelly and Jason. Jerry and I taught across the hall from each other for 28 years before his retirement. We had more fun teaching than anyone should be allowed. This will come as no surprise to anyone when I say…….Mr. Clossin was a quality educator right up to and including his last day of teaching.
Mardella and family- Please accept my sincere condolences at losing Jerry. May God’s loving kindness surround you with peace and comfort as you go forward with the knowledge that Jerry is well and happy in his eternal home. You will be in my prayers.
Jerry Clossin was one of my favorite teachers, and served as an inspiration to his students over his entire career. My condolences to his family and friends.
Jerry lived behind us when we lived in Tipton on Conde St. many years ago. Cathy babyset for us and Linda and Mardella worked together. Even though I attended St. Johns, he was my Jr hi football coach. A few years later as an adult we shared many hours watching basketball games in his living room together. Jerry was always an inspiration to me and I always and still do hold a extremely high regard for him. Rest in peace Jerry. Our sympathy to you Mardella and family
Cathy I am so sorry to hear of you Dad’s passing. Mr. clossin was a wonderful teacher. He had such an amazing smile. Prayers of comfort for you and the family.
I live in Iowa and worked for Pioneer Hi-Bred and with the summer seed corn pollination inspection program. David Parker from Greentown told me about Jerry’s passing. Jerry worked a number of years for Pioneer seed corn field inspection in Indiana and Michigan, I remember Jerry as a dedicated and great teammate working with others that did this summer job. Most of these inspectors were school teachers and the group Jerry worked with had a quite a strong bond with each other.