Gerald "Jerry" Drake

Gerald "Jerry" Drake, 79, of South Haven passed away at home on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

He was born on Sept. 16, 1944, in Watervliet to John and Myrtle Drake. Jerry was united in marriage to Linda Lou Remick on Aug. 27, 1963.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda; daughter Karen (Julie Olson) Drake; grandchildren: Zachary Hanner and Jared Hanner. He's also survived by siblings; Michael (Annette) Drake, Richard (Rita) Drake, Diana (Sandy) Teliak, Bob (Michelle) Drake and Ken (Kay) Drake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Winnifred Drake and brother Joseph Drake.

Jerry graduated from L.C. Mohr High School in 1962. He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served stateside as a teletype operator and secretary to a general. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda, and together they would have a daughter Karen.

After his military service the couple settled in South Haven and Jerry became a supervisor for Everett Piano Co., where he worked for the next 21 years. Jerry was a devoted husband and father, master woodworker, making beautiful grandfather and mantle clocks, curio cabinets and gliders. He and Linda were longtime members of Kibbie Christian Reformed Church, where Jerry made the weekly church bulletins.

Jerry also enjoyed photography and could be found taking numerous pictures in and around South Haven, especially of the lighthouse and pier. Jerry loved animals, namely his two cats: Sam and Kiki. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation for Jerry will be held at Kibbie Christian Reformed Church, 00479 CR 687, South Haven, MI 49090, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 11 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at noon, also at Kibbie Christian Reformed Church. Pastors Vern Swieringa and Gerrit Haagsma will officiate. Military honors will be accorded to Gerald at McDowell Cemetery following the church service.

Please make donations to: Kibbie Christian Reformed Church or Al Van Humane Society. To view Jerry's personal webpage, please visit www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 637-0333.