On August 16, 2021, Jeff joined his beloved parents in heaven.
He was born April 7, 1956 in Gary, IN to Loran B. McMaster Jr. and Diana (Ferguson) McMaster. He lived most of his life in Romney, IN where he had many lifelong friends.
Jeff was hit by a car while riding his bike on July 6, 1971. He sustained a closed head injury which caused him to require extensive medical care at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. The excellent care he received there allowed him to eventually return home to his family. His parents devoted their life to doing what they thought was best for him. He unfortunately was left with short term memory loss which required him to be dependent on others.
The 1974 class of Southwestern High School always included Jeff in their activities, which meant a lot to him since he had known a lot of them since he was five years old. He remembered every minute of his life before the accident so he loved reminiscing with everyone. He was not only academically near the top of his class but he also excelled at sports. His greatest love was football but he also participated in wrestling and golf in high school. Jeff was a Cub Scout/Boy Scout for many years. He loved camping, fishing and all outdoor activities.
Jeff inherited his friendliness from his mother. They both made friends easily. He inherited his sense of humor from his father and they constantly traded jokes. He was known for his love of apples (the largest, reddest that could be found) and gum. He always had at least one stick of gum in his pocket and in his mouth.
Jeff always credited his strong faith in God for his miraculous recovery. Every day was a gift from God and he knew how blessed he was. He always gave everyone he met “two thumbs up” and encouraged them to smile.
Jeff is survived by his sister Jessie (Bob) Howell, brother William (Sandra) McMaster, nephew Ryan (Cassie) McMaster, nieces Stephanie Howell and Kimberly Winn, great-nephews Declan and Theodore McMaster and great-niece Norah McMaster.
He was preceded in death by his parents Loran and Diana McMaster and his nephew Gregory Howell.
A private burial for Jeff will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Indiana next to his parents. A memorial service for Jeff and his mother Diana will take place in Indiana at a later date. Those wishing to leave an online message of condolence may do so at duffieldpastrick.com.