Perry Hanlin

On Nov. 8, 2024, one of the wonderful people that comes along once in a generation had to leave us after a seven-year battle with his health. He fought like a general to be with his family and friends.

Perry Lyle Hanlin was born Dec. 29, 1955, in Bluffton at Wells County Hospital to George “Ace” Hanlin and Esther C. (Axe) Hanlin of Pennville, Jay County, Indiana.

Perry was a 1974 graduate of Pennville High School and a graduate of Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis. He attained a wastewater license which allowed him to operate several municipal treatment facilities. He was a fourth-generation well driller and took great pride in his work. He and his father spent hundreds of hours serving Indiana water wells and pumps. 

Perry was the donor of many pumpkins each fall to Pennville Elementary School children, an activity he really enjoyed. Perry was a member of the FFA in school and was the president of the Bro Shadow Fishing Club as well the ABBMR organization. 

Of the many hats Perry wore, he will best be remembered for his love of mechanics and speed and his absolute love for all things “tractor pulling.” He was known statewide as a genuine competitor and loved sharing his multiple talents with the crew of the “H” Factor and “Tenacious.” He was an active member of the ABBMR right up to his passing. 

Perry’s personality made people gravitate toward him along with his vast knowledge. He could discuss things from mechanical work to Norse mythology to physics. It would require a mechanical engineer, a machinist, a welder, a fabricator and a PR person to lightly cover Perry’s talents. It was never necessary for Perry to wear a name tag because once you met him you knew he was special. 

Perry loved his family and friends more than life itself. Everything he did, from parenting, to husband and friends he gave 110%.

Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents and too many younger friends.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie Whitcomb; son Sean Whitcomb; son Mason Reisen; brother Patrick (Susie) Hanlin; sister Peggy (Steve) Manor; and will be missed by many nieces and nephews from both sides of family.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Dec. 7, 2024, in the Pennville Gym, Pennville, Jay County, Indiana from 1 to 5 p.m. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker & Glancy Funeral Home, Montpelier, Indiana.