Gerald H. Essington, 76, of Greenfield, went home to the Lord on Saturday, June 17, 2017. Born on November 23, 1940, in Keysport, Ill., as the son of Melvin Hugh and DeEtta Merle (Emery) Essington.
He graduated from Washington Community High School in 1958. Gerald obtained his Bachelors in Education from Illinois State in 1962 and graduated from University of Illinois as Specialist in Education. He also received his Doctorate in Education from Indiana University in 1973. Gerald married Sharon Kay (Hett) on April 6, 1962, in Washington, Ill.
He was a biology teacher and coach of football, basketball, track and baseball at Washington Community High School. He later became the principal of Payson High School in Payson, Ill. After moving to Indiana, he became the superintendent of Taylor Schools near Kokomo, and retired as a superintendent of Greenfield Community Schools. Gerald was member of the Greenfield Rotary Club and served as president during 1983-1984. He was a former member of The Southern Indiana School Superintendent Club and East Central Educational Service Center. Gerald was a founding member of IUSSA 1991 (Indiana University Student Academic Appointments). Formerly he was on the board of directors for The Greater Greenfield Chamber of Commerce. Gerald was the president of Faith Lutheran Church for a year and a member of College Park Church for over 20 years. He enjoyed biking, camping, fishing, boating and sports. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching them play sports. He enjoyed living three months out of the year in Florida and spending time with his friends. He loved music and his favorite songs were “I’ll Fly Away” and “Just as You Are”.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sharon Essington; children, Christine Irbe, Jennifer (Bill) Rosier and David (Lora) Essington; grandchildren, Ethan Irbe, Mason Irbe, Rachel Irbe, Jonah Ring (Aimee) Elder; Seth Essington, Lindsey Essington, Brooke Essington and Drew Essington; sisters, Phyllis (Marlin) Wade and Susan Walker; and brother, Conrad Essington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and one sister.
Memorial Gathering will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A memorial service will take place immediately following the gathering at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to the FUSE, Inc., 1133 W. Main Suite E, Greenfield, IN 46140 and Meals on Wheels, 1133 W. Main St, Suite C, Greenfield, IN 46140 or envelopes will be available at the mortuary.
Friends may share a memory or a condolence at erleweinmortuary.com.
