Gary Leslie Gerardot Sr.

Gary was born in Maples, Indiana to Carl and Freda Gerardot, on October 23, 1935. He worked for International Harvester in Fort Wayne, Indiana as a draftsman, until he was hired by the Fort Wayne Police Department in 1961, where he worked for 26 years as a police officer until he retired in 1987 as a Sergeant in the Detective Bureau.

Gary was the first sketch artist on the Fort Wayne Police Department, the use of his suspect sketches helped the police apprehend several serious criminals in and around the Fort Wayne, Allen County area. He drew hundreds of patents for inventions and many area logos which included the local Audubon Society and Crime Stoppers. He helped design the cars for the old African Veldt area at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Family and friends were impressed that he was self taught and had never received any formal training in art.

Gary’s heart and soul went into several paintings and art projects throughout his life and there wasn’t a time when anyone can remember he wasn’t designing or creating something wonderful and interesting. Gary read avidly and could talk in depth on just about any subject. His art room walls are lined with model military aircraft that he built and painted to exact detail, along with model cars. Gary had a kind and compassionate spirit and he will be missed by all his friends and family.

Gary was preceded in death by his father Carl and mother Freda and two grandchildren Leslie and Brock. Gary is survived by his wife Patty and his seven children, Denise, Gary, Johnny, Anita, Mark, Heather, Jeremy, and his brother David. Gary is survived by 17 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of life gathering for family and close friends on February 9th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Gary and Patty's home.