Gerald David "Jerry" Gould, age 94, of Bible Grove passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at his home.

Jerry was born on January 3, 1932, in rural Bible Grove, the son of Harmon Ezra and Mary Elsie (Lewis) Gould.

Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952, during the Korean War era, serving honorably overseas in Japan. He applied his mechanical talents as a mechanic working on army tanks, a role that set the foundation for his lifelong passion for repairing and building. After being honorably discharged in 1953, Jerry returned home with a strong sense of purpose and dedication that would shape his future career and personal life.

Jerry married Orpha Mading on June 1, 1956, in the Patterson Methodist Church in rural Wayne County, Illinois and they shared 69 years of marriage.

Early in his post-service years, Jerry worked alongside his brother, John, logging for Gharst Lumber Company during the winter months. Together, they forged a lifelong partnership in various endeavors, chiefly farming and construction. Jerry and John meticulously built whatever was needed, demonstrating a resourcefulness and skill that was admired by all who knew them. His mechanical aptitude was inherent and deeply rooted, reflected not only in his repair of old farm machinery but also in the legacy he instilled in his son, Rick, inspiring him to pursue woodworking and carpentry.

Jerry's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a long-time member of the Bible Grove Christian Church and a faithful former member of the Shouse Chapel Church until it closed, participating devoutly in the life of his spiritual community.

Jerry is survived by his wife: Orpha Gould of Bible Grove; 4 children: David Gould of Bible Grove, Charity (Marty) Pozgay of Terra Ceia, Florida, Rick (Karen) Gould of Bible Grove, Cammy (Richard) Delhaye of Whiteland, Indiana; 5 grandchildren: Clifford Gould, Becky Bridges, Matt Gould, Kaleb Delhaye, Chase Delhaye; 4 great-grandchildren: Evelyn Gould, Elijah Gould, Mylow Bridges, Abigail Gould; a sister: Mary Kathyrn Seay of San Diego, California; and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers: Lewis H. Gould, Loren W. Gould, John N. Gould.

Graveside funeral services to celebrate Jerry's life will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Shouse Chapel Cemetery, Bible Grove, with Mike Elliott officiating. Military funeral honors will be given at the cemetery. Anyone attending the services are asked to meet at the cemetery just prior to service time Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jerry's memory to the Bible Grove Christian Church Building Fund with envelopes available at the cemetery.

The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or to share a memory or story of Jerry, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.