Gerald Dean Estes Obituary (1929 - 2014)

Gerald D. Estes Lansing Passed away Sunday, July 13, 2014 at age 85. Born March 22, 1929 to Edmond and Bertha Estes in Lansing, Michigan. Born Gerald Dean Estes but known to many as Jerry or Dean. Jerry was a graduate of East Lansing High School class of '47. He went on to work for Motor Wheel before being drafted into the US Army during the Korean War where he was stationed in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge, Jerry went back to work for Motor Wheel for a brief time and then got hired into Oldsmobile. He would later retire, or as he called it, "graduated" from Oldsmobile. Jerry enjoyed volunteering for various organizations at the American Red Cross, WKAR Public Broadcasting, and the East Side Neighborhood Organization. He was awarded the Bea Christy - Volunteer of the Year Award. Preceding him in death were his sister, Rose Marie Covell; brother, Walter Estes and his parents. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Florence Estes; daughters from a previous marriage are; Darla Estes of Lansing, Cheryl Estes of Lansing, Barbara (Marty) Calhoun of Chattanooga, OK, Annette Estes of Frederick, OK and Joyce Allgood of Nampa, ID.; 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild on the way; sister, Joyce Rice; brothers, "Butch" (Nancy) Estes, "Bob" (Lea) Estes, Wallace Estes, Gail (Evelyn) Estes; as well as several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Skinner Funeral Home, Lansing Chapel. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross in Gerald's name. For online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com Memorials: American Red Cross