Bear Jarman's Obituary
Donald "Bear" Paul Jarman Jr., 67 passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, IA.
Donald was born on March 22, 1959 to Donald Sr. and Mildred (Fox) Jarman in Dover, Delaware.
After Donald graduated, he joined the Coast Guard where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Hickman and to this union, they welcomed their daughter Kati. He served his country faithfully for 15 years before being honorably discharged, and moving back to southern Iowa with Marilyn. After his time in the service, Bear spent time working for the local Veterans Affairs, handling numerous different jobs, he retired from there after 15 years.
Music was a main passion for Bear, he was a true percussionist at heart. He lived to play the drums, can could turn anything into a set of drumsticks. Time with his family was very important to him, especially joking with his wife and making her laugh. Bear could light up any room with his jokes, and loved to make people's day better.
Bear is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Kati (Michael) Thomas; grandchildren, Ethan Allison, Isaac Allison, Braydon Thomas, Tristan Thomas, Isabella Thomas; mother, Mildred Jarman; brother, Mark Jarman and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Jarman Sr.; brother, Fred Jarman and in-laws, Gerald and Ellen Hickman.
Visitation will take place of Friday, April 10, 2026 from 6:00PM-8:00PM at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon. Cremation will take place after the visitation, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials have been established to Wayne County Veterans Affairs, and can be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home ATTN: Jarman Family, 303 E. Jefferson Street, Corydon, Iowa 50060.
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