Jerry Lee Ellett, 82, of Linton, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday evening, October 25, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved. Jerry was born in Linton on December 6, 1943, to George H. and Margaret L. (Wheeler) Ellett. He lived nearly his whole life in the town where he was born, and he spent most of it looking after it.

After graduating from Linton-Stockton High School in 1962, Jerry answered his country's call and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. When he came home, he kept serving. He joined the Linton Police Department and spent his career protecting the people he grew up with, eventually retiring as Assistant Chief. Retirement didn't slow him down. Jerry was elected to the Linton City Council and served from 1996 to 2012, then returned from 2016 to 2023. Altogether he gave more than two decades to helping guide the city's future.

Away from his work, Jerry was happiest with a fishing pole in his hand, or sitting with friends trading stories. He never ran short of friends. For more than 50 years he was a proud member of B.P.O. Elks #866, American Legion Post #22, VFW Post #7118, and the Fraternal Order of Police, all of Linton. These were the places where his friendships ran deep. Jerry was also a member of the Jasonville Church of Christ.

Jerry will be lovingly missed by his wife, Cathy F. Young; his stepchildren, B.J. Helton (Brittany), Melissa Fulk (Travis), and Glenn Helton; his step-grandchildren, Darius Helton, Holdyn Helton, Draycen Helton, Kent Helton, K.J. Helton, Fayth (Branden) Daves, Stormy Fulk, and Madison Fulk; and five step-great grandchildren, Hayden Helton, Raylynn Helton, Willow Fulk, Ellie Mae Daves, and Brooks Fulk.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends are invited to gather and share their memories of Jerry during visitation at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home, of Walton Funeral Service, in Linton, at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 30, 2026, from until the time of service. Military honors and a funeral service to celebrate Jerry's life will follow at 2:00 PM, with Brother Rick Riordan officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Linton.

Jerry spent his life caring for his neighbors. In that spirit, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Jasonville Church of Christ Food Bank in place of flowers. Gifts can be made through the funeral home.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.welchcornett.com