Jerry Franklin Elyea

Jerry Franklin Elyea, 82, of Marshall, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Oaklawn Hospital after a long illness. 

Jerry was born on July 13, 1941 at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, Michigan to Charles Franklin and Ruth Lillian (Coffman) Elyea, the third of nine children. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1960 as a proud Redskin. 

Jerry began his work years when he was a Senior at MHS, working second shift at Eaton Corporation where he eventually became a foreman. From there, Jerry worked for many years as a Lab Technician for Eaton Corporation in Marshall at the Proving Grounds where he tested Super-Chargers. 

Jerry was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Marshall and was a former Marengo Township Trustee. In high school Jerry played football and excelled in track and field, winning numerous medals. Jerry always looked forward to hunting season and was an avid fisherman, often supplying enough blue gill each year to supply his friends’ annual fish fry. He enjoyed woodworking and “puttering” around the yard, which led to a host of comical, minor injuries over the years. He also enjoyed playing card games, with Tunk and Euchre being two of his favorites. Jerry preferred informal social gatherings and got great joy from sponsoring Elyea’s Bar & Grille, a recreational softball team comprised of his close friends and family. This was an annual highlight for Jerry with the team winning the championship in 1998 and three generations of Elyeas eventually playing on the team. 

Jerry always made it a priority to attend his grandchildren’s sporting and extracurricular events, in addition to all their major life events. He was extremely proud of all his grandchildren and found great happiness in spending time with each of them. 

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Elyea (Comrie) whom he married on January 25th, 1964. The two shared nearly 60 years together as a wedded couple. Jerry is also survived by his children, Karla (Jay) Titus, Lance Elyea, and Courtney Harrison; grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Joe Willms) DiMaria, Austin (Caitlin) Harrison, Kelsey (Corey) Luke, Baylie (Allison Gullett) Robinson, Colton Harrison, and Liza (Tanner) Thompson; great-grandchildren, Weston, Hudson and Rowan Harrison; Averleigh and Maggie Thompson; and Ella Luke; brothers, Roger, Phillip, and Victor; sisters, Ann, Pat, and Rose.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Gene. 

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Jerry's life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 am at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, Michigan 49068.

A private burial will be at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall, Michigan.

Memorial contributions in honor of Jerry can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of one’s choice. 

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.