Jerry Bardwell, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, passed away on Monday, March 19, 2018, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond at the age of 85. He was born on October 1, 1932, in Ponchatoula, one of 11 children of the late Eddie Eugene Bardwell and the late Nancy Morse Bardwell. After graduating from Ponchatoula High School in 1952, Jerry proceeded to join the US Air Force and marry the love of his life, Frances Lee Fendlason, all in that same year. Jerry retired from the US Air Force after serving as an Aircraft Electrician. He was stationed in half a dozen states, as well as Japan and Thailand. After serving in the Air Force, Jerry was a commercial electrician for many years. After his retirement, Jerry and Frances spent much of their time traveling as volunteers. They dedicated their time to different organizations including: Walter Hoving Home for abused women in Garrison, New York; East Africa School of Theology in Nairobi, Kenya; and M.A.P.S. (Mission America Placement Service) helping churches with construction and evangelism projects across America. Jerry was a devoted servant to the Lord throughout his life, and he will be greatly missed.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Frances Fendlason Bardwell, sons, Danny Bardwell (Debbie), Randy Bardwell (Karen), and Eugene Bardwell (Mary Ann); grandchildren, Scott, Neley, Michael, Ann Frances, Jeremy, Melody and Christina; great-grandchildren, Brock, Attalie, Truett, Brighton and Lane; brother, Willard Bardwell (Rachael); sisters, Opal Jenkins and Sybil Scafidel; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his siblings, Blanche Bardwell, Georgiana Goldate, Earl Bardwell, Merlin Bardwell, Kirby Bardwell, C.B. Bardwell and Huey Bardwell.
Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 100 West Magnolia Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454 on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 9:00 am until the Funeral Service begins at 10:00 am.
Interment will follow in the Sand Hill Cemetery in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.
An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.
