Jerry Beach

Mr. Jerry Beach, age 81, of Woodland, passed away Tuesday, July 12th, 2016 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI.

Jerry was born in Flint, MI on August 17, 1934, the son of the late Lyle and Ruth (Somers) Beach.

Jerry was raised in the Flint area and attended Utley School from kintergarden through high school and graduated in 1952. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force where he served until being honorably discharged in April 1957. Following his discharge Jerry joined the Air National Guard where he specialized in aviation electronics and radio repair. Jerry loved airplanes and flying; during his years of service he developed a relationship with several pilots. They took very good care of Jerry, because he was the person who kept their radios operating. Jerry retired after 25 years of service with the Guard.

He was the husband of Marilyn (Wrigley) Beach. The couple was married June 26, 1970 in Owosso, MI. They met while attending church. Jerry was employed at the Air National Guard Base and later the Federal Center in Battle Creek. The couple began looking for houses in the "country" and settled in the Woodland area. Jerry loved to be outdoors, and he and Marilyn often enjoyed watching the wildlife in the back of their home. He was an avid deer hunter,
fisherman, and camping.

Jerry introduced Marilyn to camping in 1970 shortly after the couple was married. They traveled the northern United States, until they reached Wyoming, Their love of camping grew throughout the years, and together they continued camping for over 30 years. Their favorite spot to camp was Aune Osborne Campground in Sault Ste. Marie where they could watch the ships come and go. Fall camping was their favorite, and on their trip to Alaska they drove 10,000 miles with their pickup camper in ten weeks to tour Alaska.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn, a daughter, Yvonne (John) Ortiz, two sons Michael (Roxanna) Beach, and Kelly (Jane) Beach, his brother-in-law Duane Darling, 3 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters Carolyn (Herb) Watkins, and Jo (Duane) Darling.

Funeral services will be held at the West Lansing Church of Christ, Lansing, MI. at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 16, 2016 with Ron Klepel and David Watkins officiating.

Interment will take place at 1 PM on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Fort Custer National Cemetery where Jerry will be buried with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to International Disaster Emergency Services (IDES), PO Box 379, Noblesville, IN 46061 or the West Lansing Church of Christ, 5505 W. St. Joe Highway, Lansing, MI 48917.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net