Gerald Anthony Wesley Jr.

1947 - 2023

Gerald Anthony Wesley. Jr., of Clarkridge, Arkansas, passed away April 29, 2023, at his home surrounded by love.

He was born Nov. 24, 1947, in Faribault, Minnesota, the son of Gerald and Deloris (Jensen) Wesley. Many knew him as "Butch" or "Tony," but more importantly he was called Dad and later Grandpa.

Butch served proudly in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 until 1974 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He loved his fellow veterans and was passionate about helping others. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, VFW and Marine Corps League. He rode proudly and loudly with his brothers as a long-time member of the In Country Vietnam Motorcycle Club.

He married the love of his life, Monica (Flanery) Mead, on May 2, 2009, in Faribault, Minnesota. They blended their families into one, with no labels and a philosophy of "You claim mine, and I'll claim yours, forever."

Butch loved riding, fishing and family. He was a true Vikings fan from the very beginning. He also loved flowers, gardening and bossing around family members in the kitchen and garage. His laughter was loud and infectious. and he lived life fully and courageously. Heaven became much noisier when he arrived.

Butch is survived by his wife, Monica Wesley of Clarkridge; daughters Melissa (Terry) Jandro of Faribault, Minnesota, and Amy (James) West of Faribault, Minnesota; son Matthew (Christal) Wesley of Galena, Kansas; sister Gatha (Richard) Mittelstaedt of Waseca, Minnesota; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his faithful service dog, Betty Lou, and his ICVMC Brothers.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Erin Mead; brother Scott and sister Deborah Wesley.

Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. with ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday, May 5, 2023, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home in Mountain Home. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery, Mountain Home. Military Honors will be provided by the U.S. Marine Corps and Alley-White American Legion Post 52 Honor Guards.

There will be family on motorcycles (including Butch's trike) as well as Patriot Guard Riders. Dress as comfortably as you wish; denim and leather are welcome whether or not you ride.

Instead of sending flowers or plants, please consider planting something pretty in your own yard in memory of Butch. He loved sharing perennials with friends and would love to see that kind of beauty spread everywhere.

A memorial service also will be held in Minnesota with date and location yet to be determined.

Arrangements in Arkansas are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services-Mountain Home. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.