Gerald "Jerry" L. Burley

Gerald Lynn Burley “Jerry,” age 80, passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo, Michigan on May 20, 2025 from myelofibrosis due to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He was born at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing, Michigan to Edward W. and Harriet M. (Dennis) Burley on May 13, 1945.

Jerry married Beverly Jean Higgins on May 28, 1966 at First Baptist Church in Mason, Michigan.

Jerry graduated from Mason Senior High School. He served in the US Army from 1966-1969 as a Communication Specialist with a top-secret clearance.

He was employed at Oldsmobile, Sparrow Hospital and Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Mason, where he was Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon. Later, he was a member of Eden United Brethren Church in Mason. He served as head usher and Deacon.

He lived in Michigan, California and New Mexico.

Jerry was a FFA member – showing his horse at the Ingham County Fair. He was treasurer of FFA in 1962-1963. He was also a member of the American Legion.

He enjoyed fishing, bicycling, music (Christian and some country artist and easy listening), reading, word search, surfing the web for old pickups, and finding biblically based church services and hymns.

He took great pride in arranging honors for fellow veterans for their celebration of life.

Jerry was the jokester of the family, told stories that made many people laugh, he could relay his feelings with his body language. Most of all he enjoyed being home with family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Beverly Jean (Higgins) Burley; sister, Susan Kay (Burley) Jankalski; sister-in-law, Kim (Bill) (Higgins) Wright; many second and third cousins; nephew-in-law, David Wright; niece-in-law, Sarah (Kyle) Bell; two great nieces-in-law, Emily Lynn Bell and Zoey Ann Bell.

He was predeceased by his parents, Edward (2007) and Harriet (2021); in-laws, Howard (2001) and Betty (Johnson) (2009) Higgins; baby brother, Kenneth E. Burley (1946); brother-in-law, Mike Jankalski (2016); grandparents, Leo (1980) and Eunita (2000) Dennis, Nicholas (1945) and Hazel (1923) (Caskey) Burley. Also predeceased by many uncles, aunts and cousins.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 3 at 11 a.m. at Eden United Brethren Church, 1938 Eden Rd., Mason, Michigan. Pastor Dan Bentz will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park North, 1717 N. Drake Rd., Kalamazoo, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eden United Brethren Church, 1938 Eden Rd., Mason, MI 48854 or Kairos Dwelling Hospice, 2945 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49048.

Special thank you to Centrica Care Navigators Hospice, especially nurse Andrea, and Cornerstone Caregivers and Kairos Dwelling for their compassionate, loving care in Jerry's final hours. A very special thank-you to Bev's family, and especially her sister, Kim for their support and help.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.GREastLansing.com