Jerome Lee Priest

Jerome Lee Priest, 79, of West Branch, MI, died March 7, 2022. He was born September 24, 1942 at Tolfree Memorial Hospital in West Branch, MI to Lee Douglas and Hazel Magdalene (Westrick) Priest. He was the oldest of 4 children, growing up in a one room house on North 3rd Street.

Jerry graduated from St. Joseph High School in West Branch, holding the distinction of being the school’s last graduate. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1960 and began a long and accomplished career that was full of color and life changing experiences. Jerry was stationed in 4 different countries and 8 states over his 21 year career. He was a decorated member of the Air Force with extensive linguistics experience in Russian, Mandurian, German, Japanese, and Latin. The true nature of his service and contribution to our country will never be fully understood. Jerry lived out his retirement at Peach Lake.

Jerry is survived by his son Richard Lee Priest of Gunnison, CO, daughter Deborah Ann Sharpe (Dean) of Roscommon, MI, granddaughters Alexandra White (Kevin) and Raine Stephens both of Oceanside, CA, grandson Dalton Sharpe of Roscommon, MI, brothers Roger (Doris) Priest and Ken Priest of West Branch and sister Linda (Al) Diemert of Mission, TX and 2 great-grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his daughter, Rebecca Priest and parents, Hazel and Lee Priest.

Jerry requested cremation services as seen fit by his family. A celebration of his life will take place at a later time.