Jerry Acrea
December 7, 1944 ~ February 3, 2012
Jerry V. Acrea, 67, Cloverdale, died February 3, 2012, in Hendricks Regional Health. Jerry was born December 7, 1944, in Hillsboro, Illinois, to the late Virgil and Nelda (Riggs) Acrea.
He graduated from Garfield High School in Terre Haute and attended Indiana State University and Rose Hulman Institute. Jerry worked for 35 years as a civil engineer for various rail roads, including New York Central, Penn Central, Conrail, and CSX. In addition, he was a member of Gracepoint Church, NRA, International Blue Grass Music Association, and was a part of Rolling Thunder Promotions.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara (Hammer) Acrea, to whom he was united in marriage June 10, 2004; children, Douglas Acrea of Columbus, Ohio, Chelsea Wyatt of Plainfield, and Eric Levin (Brandi) of Martinsville; sister, Marilyn Acrea of Terre Haute; grandchildren, Emily Acrea, Ryan Acrea, Sheldon Wyatt, Mandolin Acrea, and Nolan Levin.
The funeral service will begin at 8 p.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville, with calling there from 5 p.m. The committal service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2012, in Roselawn Cemetery, Terre Haute. Memorial contributions may be made to Gracepoint Church, New Whiteland, Indiana. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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Barb, I am so sorry for your loss. Please let me know if you need anything.
Jerry was a good friend and partner in helping Cuyahoga Valley National Park restore our historic excursion railroad, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. We will miss his exceptional railroading experience, wisdom and guidance – not to mention his stories! We offer our sincerest condolences to BJ and all his family. But you can take heart in knowing Jerry’s legacy lives on every time the train, filled with families, runs through the national park on tracks and bridges that Jerry helped bring back to life. All his friends from Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Barb, So sorry to hear about Jerry.You and your entire family are in our prayers. May God continue to hold you close in these times, and always.
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Jim and Martine Crowell
Barb, You’re in my thoughts and prayers. I’m going to miss seeing Jerry and listening to his stories from working on the railroad. Jason
My condolences go out to Jerry’s wife and family. I had the good fortune of working with Jerry several times as our paths crossed iat Conrail. Jerry was a model railroader who always dedicated his personal time to those around him. God Bless Jerry Gerry Gates .
i love you grandpa (shad)
My condolences go out to Jerry’s wife, family and close friends. I worked for Jerry during the early 80’s when he was a Division Engineer for Conrail at Elisbethport, NJ. In 1983 he was transfered to Columbus, Ohio. We had a huge going-away diner/party for him. People from three states came. Everyone in attendence secretly had been given a hand full of Reese’s candy. When Jerry began his farewell speech everyone threw the candy at him. Jerry had all he could do between his laughing and picking up all those candies. He loved Reese’s cups. He was a jovial guy that aways loved to tell jokes. RIP Jerry, Hal Johns
Our condolences to the entire family. Thank you Jerry for sharing your love of life and sharing so many stories. Even in the midst of ciaos, you made me smile. Pat and Kathy Ackroyd Media, PA
Jerry was the ultimate railroad track engineer, and was always a pleasure to work with and for. My condolences to his wife and family,he will be greatly missed.
I’m really going to miss Jerry a lot. I’ll miss all his stories,all his favorite food places tucked away in the not so obvious places, and most of all his friendship. My condolences to Brenda and the rest of the family. James Barrier
Sorry that was supposed to be Barbara.
My blessings to the Jerry Acrea Family. I worked for Jerry at Elizabethport, NJ. As Division Engineer, Jerry was my first railroad supervisor at Conrail. He was one of the hardest working railroad engineers I ever met. I learned a great deal from him, Carl Morey,PE Supervisor of Structures Ney Jersey Division 1977-1980
My condolences to Jerry’s wife and family. I knew him when we worked at Conrail and he was always such a good natured person who made you smile. Bill Romig
I only had the opportunity to know Jerry and work with him for a short time in 2009. I gained a lot of experience from him for which I am grateful. My condolences to Mrs. Acrea and family. Max Mitchell
I know that Jerry has had a long history with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park…I was fortunate to have worked closely with him. I always found him to be wealth of information regarding the rail…. I will miss his good nature towards me in particular…..I will miss Jerry. Bob Corcoran
Barb, please accept my condolences for your loss. I’ll miss seeing you and Jerry wandering the aisles at model railroad shows. Steve Studley
Such sad news to hear! Jerry was so kind and funny and always made me feel right at home when I was at the hobby shop. He will surely be missed by so many! Barb, please accept our condolences and know that you and the rest of his family are in our thoughts. Cricket (and Ryan) Krengel