CourierPress.com
Jerry L Fruth of Evansville Indiana former Posey County resident of Wadesville IN passed away Thursday October 24th, 2024. He was born on February 14, 1940, in Napoleon, Ohio to the late Orville & Doris (Rogalski) Fruth.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Judith (Fruth) Freiburger.
Jerry attended Napoleon Grade School & High School in Ohio. He was in high school drama work and in one play, “Born Yesterday”, with the Little Theatre Group, home of fine theatrical productions in the Fort Knox area. Jerry attended Ohio University for a few years and then enlisted in the United States Army. He was an NCO and Drill Sergeant for 6 years and a very proud veteran of the United States of America. Jerry was an entrepreneur, real estate developer and President of P47, LLC. Jerry’s passions included playing polo in his years after the Army and anything to do with the horses.
He loved riding his horses in the sport of endurance riding with the organization (AERC) American Endurance Ride Conference for 15 years with his wife (Diane) and son (Ryan). Two of his favorites were Abba Peavine a gelding a.k.a barn name “Red”, and a stallion Jabask Knight a.k.a barn name “Irene”. Jerry and Diane were Ride Managers of the LBL Express rides held at Land Between the Lakes 2002-2007.They also managed Endurance Rides in Indiana and one in California. In 2003 they adopted a 3-year-old Mustang named “Rocky” from the BLM Holding Facility in Litchfield, California. Jerry truly loved his 21-Year-Old Mustang “Rocky” and traveling with him to see the beauty of our USA. Jerry was involved with AERC as a past Vice President, Trails Committee Chairman where he served for 10 years. He was a certified AERC Trail Master Builder & Instructor. He served on the National Trails Committee with the American Horse Council in Washington, D.C. In April 2004 he was awarded the BLM Director’s Four C’s Award by Kathleen Clarke. He had worked with New Harmony, Indiana in the past on the park’s Horse Trails. In 2007 he was awarded the AERC Volunteer of the Year Award.
Jerry's other passions were membership in the VFW, life member of Indiana Trail Ride Association, Lifetime Golden Age Passport to all of the National Parks, AERC, Hoosier Backcountry Horsemen, Back Country Horsemen of America, Leave No Trace and other horse organizations. Jerry loved to ski, snow shoe, fly fish, read all kinds of books & magazines, travel with his horses to many different places with family and friends and have good times with his family and friends. Jerry always had a very creative eye for building & woodworking. He could look at something and create it.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 30 years, Diane Fruth; son Ryan A. Fruth (Jeannie); and a brother Jay Fruth of Napoleon Ohio.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 CST on Monday, November 4th, 2024 at Alexander North Chapel, officiated by Roger Lehman, with a private entombment to follow in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends and Family may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 CST from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 4, 2024 at City View at Sterling Square, 210 N. Fulton Ave. Evansville.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Mustang Adoption Academy with Sky, or Hoosier Backcountry Horsemen.
Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.
