Gerald “Jerry” E. Mullen, 88 years, a Temperance, MI resident for more than 60 years, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026 in Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo, OH. Proud of his Canadian heritage, the son of Harold and Luella (Land) Mullen he was born August 24, 1937 in Toledo, OH. He graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1956. During high school he was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Cadet Civil Air Patrol. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he served from 1955 until 1959 at the Amarillo Air Force Base in Texas as a Radar Technician and then served in the 180th Ohio Air National Guard from 1961 until 1962 for the Berlin Call-up.
A switching service technician, he worked for GTE/Verizon for 32 years, retiring in 1998. Previously he worked for 5 years at the Jeep and Chevy Plant. During that time, he also worked 13 years for Bedford Ambulance Service, as a licensed EMT for six of those years, and Bedford Funeral Chapel for 40 years.
For over 20 years Jerry enjoyed going to Barton Lake with his wife, of 45 years, Charlene (Berry). She preceded him in death November 28, 2014.
Jerry served as a Special Deputy for Monroe County from 1969-1973 and was elected Bedford Township Constable from 1970-1972. He completed his EMT training in 1978 from the Medical College of Ohio and obtained his license in Michigan and Ohio. In 1979 he completed a Fire Fighter Training Course, DOT Hazardous Materials Course, and a Civil Preparedness Radiological Monitoring Course.
For many years Jerry was also very active, volunteering countless hours for many organizations in Bedford Township. He served on the advisory board for Mercy Hospital-South County Urgent Care Center, Civil Preparedness Board, and the Bedford Township Police Board. He was a member of the Emergency Management for FEMA, Michigan State Police Citizens, and C.E.R.T. (Citizens Emergency Response Team) for Bedford Township.
An accomplished silversmith, he worked with lapidary, silver, and turquoise.
Also, a well-known handyman, Jerry was used by many in the community for his repair skills. He was a Boy Scout Leader for Troop #35. Most recently he was a member of the Merickel-Farley Trout Club, Toledo.
Gerald is survived by children, Michael Sr. (Elizabeth) of Lebanon, PA, Lynn (Paige) of Blanco, TX, Mark (Gina) of Greybull, WY; stepchildren, Mike Stockmaster of Michigan, Michelle Ehret of Georgia; honorary daughter, Ruby Napier of Temperance; 8 grandchildren, Rebecca (Ryan), Chelsea (Cory), Michael Jr., Bridger (Mercedes), Zeke, Jonell, Natalie, and Krystl; 9 great-grandchildren, Mykenah, Kyleigh, Abigail, Brynlee, Archie, Maggie, Josie, Freyja, Morrigan; many nieces and nephews; and faithful canine companion, Beau.
He was also preceded in death by sisters, Jane Dahlgren and Lavern Wackle.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 11, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. in the Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI. Burial will follow in Bedford Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by Lambertville VFW Post #9656. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bedford Veterans Center 8020 Lewis Ave Temperance, MI 48182. Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com
