Jerry Wayne Whitman

Jerry was born on December 11, 1945 to parents Ida Cole and John William Whitman, in Jackson, Tennessee.

Sadly, in 1952, Jerry’s dad was killed instantly in a head-on car-truck accident.

Jerry’s mom then moved to Muskegon looking for work. In 1955, she married Clarence Cupples who became a beloved stepfather to Jerry. Jerry’s mom passed into heaven in 1984, and Mr. Cupples joined her in 1986.

Also, proceeding in death was his sister, Carolyn June (Benefield) Monroe. His sister Lola LaVern Hammond lives in Florida.

Jerry married the light of his life, Candy Carol Sparks (Betty Carol Burns and Bertram Stanley Sparks) in 1963. Jerry and Candy met in 1959.

Tammie Jo and Rick Weirengo have been the best-loved brother and sister-in-laws ever! We all had great times together.

Jerry worked as a Steam Fitter/Welder. He was a proud and loyal member of West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters, and Service Trades Union No. 174 for over 40 years. The union was an important part of providing for his family. He enjoyed the work and was very good at it. The Union workers are a great group of guys and some gals who take pride in their work and depend on one another. Our local union officers are dedicated to making life better for all workers and their families.

Jerry also was Pastor of The Oakridge Baptist Church of Orlando, FL for five years. Then, a precious church family here in Michigan called him to The Emanuel Congregational Church in Twin Lake, where he joyfully served until he became too ill. The people there have become family. They are a group of believers who love the Lord and are dedicated to winning others to Our Savior.

Jerry has a beloved family with two terrific children, Danette Joy Whitman/Becker, and Jason Wayne Whitman (Mary Lower). John Frederick Becker has continued to be loved as part of the family.

Mr. Whitman has been greatly blessed by the love of 13 (!!) Grandchildren: Matthew Weidner & Madison, Danielle Weidner, Sarah, Joshua, Elijah, Carol Jean, Hiram, and Levi are all the Whitman children. Justin, Isaac, Shekinah, and Victor are all “Becker’s” whose father is John Becker. All of the grandchildren are wonderful sources of wisdom and great entertainment. A great joy!

Family has always been important to Jerry. He seldom missed the Cole family’s yearly reunions. He leaves behind two beloved Aunts, special Cousins, and many treasured Nieces and Nephews, from the Cole family as well as the Sparks.

Jerry has a very special friend named Scootch, a little black Terrier. Scootch will be just as sad as the rest of us.

Jerry enjoyed fishing with friends and family, bowling, golf, motorcycle riding, and making music with all kinds of friends. But mostly he enjoyed reading and studying the Bible, sharing Biblical wisdom with all that he met.

He was greatly blessed by serving on the Teams of Cursillio, DeColores En Cristo, Westshore DeColores, and Deco Tec. He worked as a guitarist, a speaker (Rollista), and after having been called to Ministry he served as the Spiritual Director on many weekends. He was a very loving man who shared the love of Christ with many, many people. He will surely be missed by the Muskegon community.

For many years Jerry was a loving friend of Bill W. and Dr. Bob. Here, also he leaves a great many treasured friends who have become our family. Where would we be without the precious 12 Twelve Program?!

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 12pm at West Michigan Plumbers and Fitters Local 174; 1008 O'Malley Dr. in Coopersville. Officiating will be Pastor Bill Fillmore. A visitation will take place at Ever Rest Funeral Home and Chapel on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 from 6pm until 8pm. Interment is at Egelston Township Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the family for distribution to Jerry's favorite charities.