Jerome Matchem

Jerome D. “Jerry/Tick” Matchem, 68, of Lima passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2021.

Jerry, as he was known to many, was born on June 22, 1952 in Madisonville, Kentucky to the late Edward Matchem and Clara Glover. He married Rita S. Taylor on October 14, 1974 in Kentucky and she preceded him in death.  Jerry is survived by his children: Sonya Kennedy of Rochester, New York, James Hobgood of Rochester, New York, Dana Matchem of Columbus, Ohio and Surena Matchem of Lima; Goddaughter: Desiree Bankston; grandchildren: Ashley Hobgood, Amanda Mcfarland, Aaron Hobgood; Great Granddaughter: London Hobgood; Godson: Lane McNeal; great-great-grandchildren and siblings: Tywonia Matchem, Phyllis Merriweather, Tressa Stunson, James Jones, Jonah Bell, William Sharp, Teresa Matchem and a host of nieces and nephews and his two fur-babies KiKi and Lil'Bit. He was also preceded in death by his sisters Faye Clardy and Gwen Matchem.

Jerry was an active member of the Fourth Street Baptist Church in Lima, OH, where he served as a Deacon. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Jerry was a founding member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity chapter at Murray State University, where he earned a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.  Jerry stayed connected to his fraternity brothers until he went to be with his beautiful wife. He worked for Westinghouse in Lima, OH as a Mechanical Engineer. He never met a stranger and also leaves behind many good friends, specifically Robert (Bob) Harris of Lima, OH. He loved tooling around in his vegetable garden and maintaining the flowers Rita loved as well... especially his roses. Jerry, will be missed. He was a bright light and kind soul.  Please honor Jerry by being kind to everyone you encounter, smile when you see another human and treat yourself to a Butter Bear latte occasionally. 

Memorial services will be held in the spring. 

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Hanneman-Siferd Funeral Home, 506 N. Cable Rd., Lima, Ohio 45805

Online condolences, as well as a fond memory can be shared with Jerry’s family by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com 

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