Jerry Lee Nesbitt

Jerry Lee Nesbitt, age 70, of Ligonier, IN passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at home. He was born on April 4, 1951, the son of Samuel Harrison Adelbert and Margaret (Green) Nesbitt in Kendallville, IN. On September 28, 1996 he married Avis (Rosenogle) Clark at the Ligonier Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Avis Nesbitt of Ligonier, IN; two step-sons, Thomas Carlton Clark of Goshen, IN and Jeremy “Jamie” Duane (Carrie) Clark of Lakeville, IN; three step-grandchildren, Alex (Delaney) Clark of South Bend, IN,  Olivia Clark of Lakeville, IN, and Joshua Clark of Goshen, IN; a sister, Catherine Sprunger of Ligonier, IN; a brother, David (Nancy) Nesbitt of Elkhart, IN along with several nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law, Dale Sprunger.

Jerry graduated from West Noble High School in 1969 and from Goshen College with a bachelor’s of Science in Education degree in 1973. He was currently serving as the Executive Director of the Ligonier Public Library, a position he had held for the last 47 years. He was an exceptionally kind and gentle man that had been a pillar in the community for decades. Jerry was devoted to the community and had served on the United Way of Noble County board, was a past president of the Ligonier Chamber of Commerce, and was named the Ligonier Citizen of The Year in 1988. He was a lover of history and had been a history teacher prior to becoming the director of the library. He was especially fond and very knowledgeable of Russian history. Jerry loved antiquing, road trips, and taking the scenic route wherever he went.

A funeral service will be held in Jerry’s honor at 2 pm on Friday, May 7, 2021 at The Crosswalk at Ligonier United Methodist Church, 466 Townline Road, Ligonier, IN 46767. Pastor Jean Ness will officiate. Burial will follow at Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell, IN. Family and friends will be received from 2-4 pm & 6-8 pm on Thursday May 6, 2021 at The Crosswalk.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Ligonier Public Library, 300 South Main Street, Ligonier, IN 46767