Jerry Owen Webster

Jerry Owen Webster, 83, Macy, Indiana, passed away at 3:35 a.m. on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at his residence.

Born at Dukes Hospital in Peru, Indiana, on January 10, 1938, he was the son of Berton Owen Webster and Mildred Josephine Madary (Webster) Austin and was the grandson of Bert Webster and Maude Waymire Webster.

Jerry was a 1956 graduate of Peru High School where he was active as a yell leader, member of the choir, and a member of the first swing choir under the direction of Jim Noble.  Jerry was also very active in plays, and music school productions.  After one year of college, Jerry was drafted into the United States Army.

Jerry started a floral business in an old hip roof building willed to him by an aunt.  Along with his dad, Berty, they renovated the building into a silk floral house and then added fresh flowers and plants. Many parties, weddings and school orders kept them busy and growing, along with funerals and requests for special events. Within one year, they were doing weddings (sometimes two each week), providing the flowers, decorations, and cakes.  The one business soon split into two: one floral and setups, and the other a complete food and rental service.  Jo’s Bakery later took off, providing the same services for party rentals and supplies as the flower business continued to grow.  The floral work tripled, and Jerry was approached about a shop in Rochester. Dorothy Irene Baird and her son, David, led the task of opening the shop across from the airport in Rochester.

Always keeping a keen eye and looking at the current trends, Jerry attended professional design and style shows, home shows, and many more to increase the potential of the business.  Then came the begging call of the Miami County area, “Please bring your style and design to our area.”  Within six months, it was ready with a grand opening one week before Mother’s Day.

As the business trended more towards Peru, the shops closed in Rochester and Macy.  Webster’s Florist operated in Peru since 1975 and continues to provide service to Miami County.  The business was even able to stay open and operate after a devastating fire on September 28, 2000, and then opening the new building and retail shop in May 2001, just in time again for Mother’s Day.  Jerry loved all of his business friendships and working with the community, especially providing flowers for the Honeywell Center in Wabash for many different functions over the years.

Mr. Webster retired in 2020, and Jerry’s legacy, Webster’s Florist, survives under the managing eye of longtime business partner, David L. Baird, Macy; and the phenomenal staff who will continue the great traditions of providing beauty, style, and great service to all of Miami County and surrounding areas.

Also surviving are several cousins, including Jerry’s only first cousin, William P. Madary III, Indianapolis.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver.  Burial will follow in Fulton Cemetery, Fulton, Indiana.

Visitation will be from 3-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fulton Cemetery, Kindred Hospice, or The Honeywell Foundation.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.