Jerome “Jerry or Red” John Laker, age 83 of Batesville, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at St. Andrews Health Campus in Batesville. Born October 6, 1942, at home in Franklin County, Indiana. He is the son of Walter and Edna (nee: Amberger) Laker. He married Helen Louise (nee Bennett) on August 21, 1971, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Milan, Indiana.
He is survived by his wife Helen Laker of Batesville; sons Brian (Cheri) Laker and Scott (Samantha) Laker, all of Batesville; grandchildren Brooke (Cameron) McLeod, Hayley Laker, McKenzie (Ethan) Meyer, Corey Laker, and Layney Laker; great-grandchildren Hazel McLeod and one great-granddaughter on the way; sisters Barbara Glaub and Bernice Laker, both of Batesville; brother Leroy Laker of Batesville; as well as many nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Jerome was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Jerome “Jerry” Glaub.
Visitation is Tuesday, February 24th, from 4 – 7 p.m., at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, February 25th, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary of the Rock Catholic Church, with Fr. John Barker OFM officiating. The burial will follow at St. Mary of the Rock Cemetery, with military graveside rites being conducted by the Ripley County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3183 and by the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 of Batesville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Oldenburg Eagle Fire Company, St. Mary of the Rock Preservation Society, or the Margaret Mary Health Foundation Hospice. For online condolences, please go to www.weigelfh.com.