03/11/2026
Gerald Lee Feix
Jerry Lee Feix of Eaton, Ohio, clocked out of Earth’s auto shop and checked into Heaven’s Service Bay on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the well-oiled age of 94. Known for his sharp wit, stubborn bolts, and ability to turn any engine (and bad day) around, Jerry lived fast, loved out loud, and never drove over the speed limit — spiritually or otherwise. Born in Camden, Ohio, in 1931, (he grew up on a farm that is now Lakengren), back when kids went barefoot and Wi-Fi wasn’t even a rumor, Jerry was one of 9 siblings, which meant personal space was mythical and chores were plentiful. His folks, Dora and Fred, got used to him showing up with rescued critters of every shape and confusion level. If it breathed (or barely did), Jerry tended to fix it — a skill he later applied to carburetors, bird wings, and occasionally, tempers. From 1959 to 1992, Jerry ruled Preble County’s garages as a mechanic’s mechanic — the guy who could diagnose a bad alternator by sound and had the verbal acuity to make sailors blush when bolts refused to budge. Retirement didn’t stick — he went on to MVP-level stints as North Main Imaging document delivery driver, honorary concierge at United Dairy Farmers, Chauffeur Extraordinaire for the Senior Center, and Walmart’s most mischievous greeter.
The real miracle was Lois Anne Ward, the woman who outlasted him — and outwitted him — for more than 72 years. Together, they produced two model sons: Gary of Miami, FL (“Jerry 2.0 with better hair”) and the late, artfully great David, whose creative genius clearly came from the same DNA with a lot more of Lois Anne in the mix. Lois Anne deserves her own medal for patience, grace, and effortful saintliness — and perhaps combat pay with her marine.
Jerry’s hobbies were simple but sacred: chicken fingers, chocolate, and nightly bowls of UDF Peach Ice Cream (which he swore counted as a health food if eaten after 8 p.m.). When not spoon in hand, he could be found in the garden conducting full-scale wars against weeds, squirrels, and mole crickets — none of whom ever managed to surrender. He was an unstoppable storyteller, self-certified Euchre champion, and absolute tyrant of the TV remote. His preferred regular TV programming, anything with morals, mild kissing scenes, or Gunsmoke & Perry Mason restoring order to the universe — usually while “Wheel of Fortune & Let's Make a Deal” droned comfortingly in the background.
As a Marine during the Korean Conflict, Jerry was proud to serve — though he quickly distinguished himself by not being the shootin’ type, convincing Uncle Sam to assign him to the phones instead. His Marine uniform was immaculate (as were all his carefully chosen outfits); he never met a button that dared come loose. He and Lois logged miles across Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Italy, Mexico, Niagara Falls and every gas station worthy of a snack stop. Yet his favorite trip was always the next one, fueled by curiosity, caffeine-loaded sweet tea, and a glove compartment that could rival a Smithsonian exhibit. Jerry leaves behind Lois Anne, son Gary, sister Deanna Robertson Lane, and a parade of nieces and nephews who still debate whether his stories were 100% true or just 90% enhanced for entertainment value.
Jerry was lovingly welcomed with open arms into Heaven by his youngest son, David Feix, D.1990, his dad, Frederick L. Feix, Sr, D.1978, his mother, Dora L. Tipton Feix, D.1985, his baby brother Mickey Feix, D.1966, sister Phyllis Snively, D.1985, James Jim Feix, D.2003, Fred Feix Jr, D.2013, Robert “Bob” Feix, D.2015, Albert Feix, D.2019, Norma Baker Berger, D.2023. He extends his thanks (and probably a few lingering jokes) to the crews of the Dayton VA, Vancrest Health Care Center in Eaton, Kettering Main, South and Emergency Center, Eaton, joking with the little angels, and explaining why peach ice cream qualifies as a major food group, but only after you have enjoyed a big plate of chicken fingers. Heaven just got louder, funnier, and far better tuned. One of a kind? Absolutely. The last of his kind? Quite possibly, Heaven keeps no secrets!
A celebration of life will be held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Gard Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 226 W. Main Street, Eaton, OH. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.
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