Jack Demaree, 80, of Versailles

Jack Demaree, 80, of Versailles

Jonathan (Jack) Demaree, 80, of Versailles passed away at 8:30 p.m., Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Aspen Place in Greensburg. He was born at the Whitlatch Clinic in Milan on September 13, 1945, the son of Charles and Grace Patrick Demaree. He was married to Betty LeBretton on December 23, 1967 and his wife of 58 years survives. Other survivors include one son Ty Demaree of Versailles; one daughter Sandy Pickett (Marybeth Castner) of Versailles; four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Sonny and Eddie, and his sisters Edna Horton, Vivian Moody, Faye Sloan, Fern Strimple, and Norma Lee Meacham. Mr. Demaree served as a Sergeant in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed at Ft. Ord, California working as an instructor in military explosives. For service to his country, he received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. In civilian life Jack worked 27 years for UPS. After his retirement he maintained several web pages for local businesses and repaired computers at his company Ripley Computer Services. He was a long-time amateur radio operator (HAM) and had many ham friends throughout the world. He was active for many years providing communications (phone patching) for displaced military personnel on ships and remote islands. He conducted communications for several Antarctic stations allowing personnel to talk to loved ones throughout the United States. He received many public service awards for his services. He enjoyed experimenting with radio antennas and trying new things such as bouncing radio signals off the moon. Jack was proficient with Morse Code and digital communications. He was a member of the Versailles American Legion and the American Radio Relay League. Cremation will take place and a celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a later date with burial in the Indiana Veteran Cemetery at Madison. Memorials may be given to the Versailles American Legion in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.