Gerald L. Phelps, 81, of Covington, was welcomed into heaven on Monday, November 17, 2025. Although he will be sorely missed, we rejoice as we believe he is fully healed in the
presence of our Creator and excited to do things his body would no longer allow here.
Gerald and older twin Sharon were born to Herbert and Vera (Balensiefer) Phelps on June 13, 1944 in Lafayette, Indiana while their father was serving in Italy in the US Army. Despite
twins running in both families, these two came as quite a surprise! Vera's doctor had suspected
twins, but he was unsure so did not tell Vera of his intuitions.
Jerry, Sherrie, and older brother Jackie grew up in Warren County. He graduated from Seeger Memorial High School in 1962 and remained close to many of his classmates throughout the decades. Jerry worked at Harrison Steel in Attica, Hyster in Danville, IL, and retired from
Wabash National in Lafayette. He was also the proud proprietor of the Fender Bender Mender
shop in Covington where he did automotive painting and repairs.
Jerry loved car shows. He restored a 1963 Nova SS and won several awards for it. He also loved to serve. Jerry was an usher at the First Assembly of God church in Covington for nearly 65 years. Many also recognized him for riding his bicycle around town and stopping to help anyone outside working on a project. He could fix almost anything.
Jerry loved the Lord. His life reflected his faith. He was a man of few words most days but his actions spoke loudly. As one neighbor said, Jerry "has been so loving to so many and this
world is a better place because you blessed us with two hands, sharing the love of Jesus and His
heart with others."
Jerry married Vanda Billey in Covington in 1964. He planned most of the wedding details
himself: the date, location, cake flavor, flowers—yellow roses, his favorite, and so on.
They had a son, a daughter, and many cats in their 61 and a half years of wedded harmony.
Well, most days were harmonious; ask her about motorcycles in the basement or peas at
dinner.
He is survived by his wife Vanda, son Bryan (Jolee), daughter Suzanne, twin grandsons Isaak and Judah, twin sister Sherrie, many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.
Services will be held at Covington First Assembly of God in Covington with Rev. Robert K. Fairchild and Rev. Larry Lund officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 2 from 4-8pm Eastern time, funeral 11am Wednesday, December 3rd. Please come by and share your stories.