Jerry Dean Joslin, 85, of Fairfield, passed away at 6:45am on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN after a brief illness.

Jerry was born on July 24, 1941, in Fairfield, IL, to Walter and Bertie (Sanders) Joslin. On March 22, 1964, he married the love of his life, Karen (Rister) Joslin.

Jerry grew up in Fairfield and graduated from Fairfield Community High School with the class of 1959. Following school, he served in the United States Marine Corps, and, after his service, he joined the Fairfield Police Department, eventually retiring as the Chief of Police. After a brief retirement, he served as a two-term sheriff for Wayne County, retiring in 2002.

Jerry enjoyed training standardbred racehorses, hunting, and fishing. He was also a St. Louis Cardinals fan. One of his biggest sources of joy was attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events, rarely missing a game.

Survivors include his loving wife Karen Joslin of Fairfield, his children Scott (Janet) Joslin of Rochester, IL, Jennifer (Jon) Townsend of Fairfield, and Joe Joslin of Cisne, IL, his grandchildren Shelby (Gregg) Benskin, Jake (Taylor) Joslin, Luke (Billie Jo) Townsend, and Jaycie (Connor) Alewelt, great grandchildren Bella Benskin, Ruger Benskin, Millie Benskin, Dean Townsend, Nolan Joslin, and Leighton Joslin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jimmy Joslin, his sister Sammie Bone, an infant brother Bobby Joslin, and a grandson Matthew Townsend.

Funeral service will be at 1pm on Tuesday, October 13th, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery with full military rites provided by Anthony Wayne Post #176 American Legion and the Wayne County Post #4535 VFW. Visitation will be from 11am until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to Feeding the Kids of Wayne County and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.