Jerry Hope

Age 73, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, June 14, 2017. Jerry, son of LaVerne and Agnes (Duke) Hope was born on March 7, 1944 in South Bend, IN. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 15, 2017 at home in Richland, MI. Jerry went on to serve his Country honorably in the United States Air Force at Kincheloe Air Force Base, Kinross, MI. After serving, he met Marcia K. Clegg and later married her in August 19, 1967 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. After three months of marriage, Jerry suffered a life threatening accident working for Indiana & Michigan Electric Company; being electrocuted while working on power lines. As a result Jerry had both legs amputated and spent nearly six months in the U of M hospital. Upon recovery, Jerry went to work for Upjohn Pharmaceuticals as a Communications Instrument Technician, retiring in 2000 after 20 years of faithful service. Even with the many physical struggles, Jerry never took a sick day while at Upjohn and received awards for his dedication and service. Jerry was a devoted follower of Christ and a member of gracespring Bible Church and participated in a small group Bible study for over 20 years. He enjoyed many outdoor activities including swimming, snowmobiling and archery. In his later years he enjoyed working on indoor and outdoor household projects and had a special passion for his yard. Jerry is survived by his wife Marcia of almost 50 years; two sons, Todd D. Hope of Lancaster, N.H. and Jody L. Hope (Jamie) of St. Johns, MI; four grandchildren James, Grace, Madeline and Nathan and two sisters, Nancy (Bob) Harkey of Benton Harbor, MI and Debra (DJ) Smith of Venus,TX. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bob and granddaughter, Mary Hope. Jerry's family will receive friends from Noon until 1:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89) on Monday, June 19th. Burial will follow immediately after at Prairie Home Cemetery (Richland). On Tuesday, June 20th there will be a celebration service of Jerry's life at gracespring Bible Church at 11:00 immediately followed by a luncheon and time of fellowship. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jerry's honor may be directed to the gracespring Bible Church or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com