Gerald L McClees

Gerald L. McClees, Jr., 76, of East Leroy, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025, after an extended stay at Rose Arbor Hospice. He was born on July 16, 1948, and was the son of Gerald and Elvie (Hanson) McClees.
Gerald (Jerry) was born in Muskegon, MI; he was the third born, and the eldest son of seven children - a very busy household. He attended both elementary and middle school in Muskegon, then the family moved to Grand Rapids. He was very protective of his sisters and always looked out for them and was a great example for his younger brothers. Gerald graduated from Union High School with the class of 1967 and went on to join the United States Air Force. He served 4 years of active duty in the Air Force, and almost 20 years in the Air National Guard, serving at the base in Battle Creek. Gerald was stationed in the Philippines and Thailand and would bring home gifts from the places that he would visit while overseas. He was especially proud of the beautiful set of Noritake china that he presented to his mom.
Gerald loved to ride motorcycles, especially along scenic back roads. He was a member of the American Legion Post 298 and was active with the Legion Riders group. He looked forward to his weekly Tuesday get-together's for golf and camaraderie with the Lunch Bunch. He also enjoyed spending time with his veteran friends that he had met through his work in and around the Battle Creek area. He especially enjoyed traveling with his loving partner, Karen. They visited several National Parks and made it to 49 of the 50 states, only missing out on Alaska. Gerald was also never far from their treasured cats, Sheldon and Zoe. They spent their winters together in Port Charlotte, Florida, making many friends there. In 2019, they took a very memorable trip to Sweden with members of Gerald's family. He also enjoyed taking classes to get his pilot's license, as Gerald loved to fly, and he never missed the EAA Air Festival in Oshkosh, WI.
Gerald is survived by his loving partner of 14 years, Karen Sootsman of East Leroy, MI; three Sisters, Sharon Woody of Muskegon, MI, Sheila Rogge of Grand Rapids, MI, Loretta (Mike) Bezara of Grand Rapids, MI; three Nieces, Amy McClees, Leah (Jared) Bartlett, Melissa Bezara; five Nephews, Timothy Houtman, Chuck (Audra) Woody, Chris (Nikki) McClees, Randy Rogge, Mitchell (Lindsay) McClees. He was preceded in death by his Father, Gerald L. McClees, Sr., Mother, Elvie McClees, Sister, Anita (Gerald) Houtman, Brothers, Eric (Jodi) McClees, Rusty Sornon; and Nephew, Richard Houtman.
Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 West Dickman Road, on Tuesday, May 20, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
A Memorial service will be held at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 375 West Dickman Road, on Wednesday, May 21, at 10:30 A.M., with Pastor Rob Shwartz officiating.
Interment will take place in the Fort Custer National Cemetery immediately following the service.
Memorials may be made to: American Legion Post 298 or American Legion Riders, 228 N 20th St, Springfield, MI 49037
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Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800 www.baxterfuneral.com