Hinker, Jerome E. (1934 - 2002)

Jerry's ball-playing days go way ack to when he was, growing up at home. He would often tell about the times he and his brothers and one sister would play a game of ball before going to the barn to milk cows. There were 10 children in his family [us the neighbor kids that gave them tough to host a home, ball game. Somehow a few windows would get broken every now and then, and of course "Father Hinker" was not too happy. But, the game must go on. Sometimes that meant the cow pasture.

One of the first teams Jerry played for was Brown's Bar and Bowling from Loyal. He enjoyed the game of fast pitch softball, playing the position f pitcher. As fast pitch faded, the, trend was slow pitch softball. He continued to pitch and successfully retired the batters to the dugout.

The softball diamond was originally located by the Greenwood High School west gym. The location the softball field later was moved its present location. Jerry spent many hours as a player, umpire, volunteer, spectator, father, and grandfather, a true, avid softball fan. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, from the construction the concession stand, to maintaining the field. Jerry umpired all and little league games for 12 years, always with a smile. He served the president of the softball league association and was a longtime board member.

For many years, Jerry assisted with the Fourth of July fireworks display. He would bring his trusty Ford tractor to the park to set up for the evening events. Being part of the Greenwood tire Department, he also helped with the displaying. He wasn't done for the night, as he was also a part-time police officer who helped direct traffic and assisted with crowd control.

As his boys grew up, Jerry molded them to be the future maintenance crew, doing dragging, liming and miscellaneous duties to prepare for he league games. They also had to pick up the litter on the grounds to help maintain the park's beauty. Now his grandchildren are doing those same things. I guess that's what happens when you live close to the Softball Park.

He also enjoyed the hours and years of watching his boys and grandsons play ball wherever it May have been. I believe he continues to watch them from up above with great pride and joy.

After his softball years as a player were complete, he went to hitting a smaller white ball, that being the great Same of golf One of his most proud moments in golf was his hole-in-one that just so happened to be during a league game. That meant he had to buy everyone at the clubhouse a drink. I'm sure he didn't mind, as he smiled 'from ear to ear.

Jerry was an extremely active, busy person, but always made time for his family and community. He is certainly missed by his family and friends.