Jerry Joe Cameron

Jerry Joe Cameron, Jody to family, Joe or Jerry to adult friends, had but one toast he'd always use: "To family."

Born in Connersville, Indiana, to Raymond and Gladys (Lucas) Cameron on December 30, 1942,

Jody was one of three siblings. He loved sports, in particular baseball and the Cincinnati Reds. His favorite player was Reds first baseman Ted Kluszewski. Maybe Ted was the inspiration for him when Little League baseball came to Connersville in 1954. On opening day, with the bases loaded, Jody hit the first grand slam in Connersville's Little League history.

Later, while attending Ball State University, he passed Carol Boyts while walking in the Quad. A mutual glance over the shoulder sparked a lifelong love affair. They married on April 24, 1964, and together had two boys and two grandsons.

Joe enjoyed watching professional and college football, college basketball, horse racing, and playing cards. He also liked holiday visits with the family, talking and laughing, tackling the Sunday crossword puzzle with Carol, and making movie and TV references seemingly shared only by them.

Their marriage spanned nearly six decades, most of that time living in the same home. When they bought the house, they laughed at the unfathomable year the mortgage would be paid off. That year passed more than 25 years ago.

Joe's service will be a small, private affair for family. A celebration of life will take place later in the spring. Together, we will raise a glass and toast, "To family."

He is survived by his wife, Carol; son Layne and wife Sandra, of Noblesville; grandsons Kyle, of Noblesville, and Alex and wife Megan, of Chicago, and one great-grandson on the way. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Todd, his sister Suzanne Bowman, and his brother John.