In Memory
Obituary
JERRY EUGENE DUNLAP
January 27, 1946 – February 20, 2026
Jerry E. Dunlap, 80, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, February 20, 2026, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Born in Van Wert, Ohio, Jerry was a son of the late Rev. Howard and Ruth (Alspaugh) Dunlap.
Jerry graduated from South Side High School and continued his studies at Fort Wayne Bible College and LeTourneau University in Texas. He devoted 30 years of service as a truck driver with Brother’s Express before retiring.
A man of deep and abiding faith, Jerry was a longtime member of Fellowship Missionary Church and most recently attended Harvest Fellowship. He had a lifelong passion for singing, especially cherished hymns, and he and his wife faithfully attended gospel concerts over the years, rejoicing together in music that praised their Lord and Savior.
Jerry met the love of his life, Ellen Browning, at a Youth for Christ rally, and together they shared 58 years of devoted marriage. He was an avid sports enthusiast—playing softball in his younger years and later coaching for Fort Wayne Christian. He also enjoyed both playing and watching basketball and golf.
Known for his generous spirit, Jerry was always ready to lend a helping hand and put others before himself. Above all, he loved his family deeply and treasured time spent with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen Dunlap; children, Jonathan (Rebecca) Dunlap and Christopher (Jessica) Dunlap; grandchildren, Bryce, Drew, and Ianna Dunlap; sisters, Judith Barr, Joyce (Richard) Houser, and Jeannie (Bill) Hochstettler; and brother, James (Michelle) Dunlap.
A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Fellowship Missionary Church, 2536 E. Tillman Road, with calling one hour prior.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bridge of Grace Ministries. FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jerry Eugene Dunlap, please visit our flower store.
Thomas I. Blossom
Jerry, Joyce, and I did some growing up together. Not always easy being a "Pastor's Kid," From all I saw they handled it well. Not all PKs have an easy time continuing in their faith. Jerry was always friendly, humble, as the obit said, willing whenever needed. Nothing in the obit surprises me. Good witnesses of Jesus. A fine time to grow up, and we had good opportunities to mature. Sounds like Jerry lived a full life; Bless his soul. And God's Blessing to all who love him. All can thank God for him. I thank God for both Joyce and Jerry.