Jerry Dean Mcclure

Jerry McClure never rushed into anything. He was an incredibly patient, deliberate man, a man who did things his own way, on his own time. Treat a man like a man and he will act like a man, Jerry always said, the credo he lived his life by. Jerry was quite a man, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He always acted like a man, his own man, and a good man. Jerrys story began on a cold winter day in 1938, as the holidays approached in the little town of Kennett, Missouri. Those were hopeful times in this country, which began pulling itself from the quagmire of the Great Depression. On December 20, 1938, Franklin and Juanita (Cawvey) McClure celebrated the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Jerry Dean McClure. Jerry was the second of five kids in the family, joining his big brother Monte, and little siblings Fred, Thomas and Mary. His father was a trader of hunted and fished goods, while his mother cared for the kids and home in Kennett, a little town tucked away in the Ozark Mountains in the southern part of the state. As a boy (and the son of a hunter and fisherman) Jerry enjoyed many outdoor pursuits, hunting and fishing, shooting his BB gun, and playing baseball, too. When he was young, the family packed up and moved north to Muskegon, Michigan, searching for better opportunities, where Jerry would grow into a man and live the rest of his life. Jerry eventually graduated from Muskegon High School, and then attended Muskegon Community College for two years. He then enlisted in the Air Force in May of 1958, serving as a maintenance technician in Denver, Colorado, Canada, and also overseas in Germany. When he was discharged in May of 1962, Jerry returned to Muskegon, where he eventually found work as an electrician/maintenance specialist for the State of Michigan approximately in1972. He first worked for the Department of Transportation, and later the Department of Corrections, and traveled around the state quite often as a result. His siblings nicknamed him Angus, and thanks to his travels, he became an expert on where to find the cheapest places to eat, sleep, get gas and buy cigarettes, too. His professional life now in place, Jerrys personal life began to bloom, as well. In February of 1967, his Aunt Lois introduced him to a wonderful woman named Karen Hentschel, and it was love at first sight for Jerry. He never rushed into anything in his life except for Karen. They began dating, and she held him off for a year and a half, eventually marrying on September 20, 1968 in Grand Haven. The couple settled in nearby Fruitport, and it wasnt long before the happy newlyweds became proud parents, as well. Jerry and Karen celebrated the births of three fine children, Dean, Mark and Amy, who filled their lives with pride and joy. Jerry was an excellent father, who taught his children with his words and his example. Treat a man like a man he always said, and the same applied to his children, treating them with respect and also expectation. He wasnt one to chastise others; he was a very private person who avoided conflict, but if he thought you should know something, Jerry just gave you the look. Jerry, however, seemed to know everything! He was a very intelligent man, knowledgeable on a wide variety of subjects, the ultimate Trivial Pursuit partner and he would have made a formidable Jeopardy contestant. He had a very sharp mind, and did the crossword puzzle every day, finishing it in just minutes. He was a man of routine, and enjoyed doing the crossword with his morning coffee and cigarettes, with his distinctive way of smoking and drinking coffee at the same time! Jerry was also a very thoughtful man, who never forgot someones birthday (well, maybe just once), and often would remind others inconspicuously of impending birthdays. Jerry was a great provider for his family, and a very hardworking man who led by example. He supervised his crew with the credo he lived by, treating them with respect and was eminently respected in return. When his father died, Jerry immediately returned to work, knowing his dad would find it the proper thing to do. Jerry was far from all work and no play, however. He had many interests, and enjoyed almost every sport (except basketball). He cheered for the Yankees, the Packers, and the Red Wings, too, and enjoyed watching his favorite programs on TV in his free time. He also loved playing golf, and was a very good player. He once went golfing with his sister Mary, critiquing her swing throughout the round, a faux pas he sheepishly apologized for afterward. Jerry also loved music, from all the classic country on the radio, to especially, Elvis Presley, and he had all of Elviss records. Jerrys beloved Karen sadly died in 2001, which affected him deeply. He retired from the Muskegon Department of Corrections later that year, and filled his time with his hobbies and his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his beloved grandchildren, who always brightened his days. Eventually, Jerrys health began to decline. Despite wanting to bravely battle his illnesses, Jerry died on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at the age of 69. Jerry was a wonderful man, who always treated those around him with respect, and was so respected in return. He never rushed into anything, doing everything his own way, on his own time. Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, who always acted like a man, a good man. He will be greatly missed. Jerry is survived by his 2 sons, Dean (Tracy) McClure of Fruitport & Mark (Trisha) McClure of Fruitport; 1 daughter, Amy (Eugene) Prell of Norton Shores; 5 grandchildren, Keith, Dustin, Eli, Julia mother, Juanita McClure of Muskegon; mother-in-law, Julia Hentschel of Fruitport; 3 brothers, Monte (Diann) McClure of SC, Fred (Linda) McClure of MO & Tom (Joyce) McClure of Norton Shores; 1 sister, Mary (Glen) Bowers of Fruitport; several aunts & uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, A. Franklin & beloved wife, Karen on August 14, 2001. Services are scheduled for Thursday, March 6, 2008, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel - Fruitport with Rev. Don Wood officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visitation is Wednesday, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Fruitport. Memorial donations may be made to the family. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory of Jerry or to sign the online guest book.