Gerald Scott

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Gerald Scott was a hardworking man as he was always on the go - even well into his sunset years. He was a firm believer in the notion of doing things right, even if that means more than once, and he held everyone around him to the same standards. Jerry was a devoted husband and father, but he was over the moon excited to become a grandfather. He was a longtime resident of the community he loved, and he was the sort of person whom everyone seemed to know. Although Jerry will be deeply missed, his memory will remain a lasting treasure for years to come.

Although the 1920s were an exciting and prosperous time in American history, the 1930s were a much different story as the entire decade was held firmly in the grip of the Great Depression throughout the entire decade. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and things only went from bad to worse when a drought covered our nation’s heartland for nearly two years. It was just as this decade was dawning that Arba and Ida Scott were able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their own lives as they were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as the city of Plainwell, Michigan, was looking forward to welcoming spring in 1930. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Gerald made his arrival on March 2nd in nearby Kalamazoo. He was the 5th of 13 children in his family, and he was raised in the family home in Plainwell alongside his siblings, Edward, Kenneth, Robert, Patricia, Gerald, Richard, Barbara, Raymond, Frederick, Norman, Phillip, Mary Ellen, Martha, and Nancy.

For the most part, Gerald, or Jerry as he was usually known, experienced an upbringing that was typical for the youth of his generation. His father worked at the paper mill in Plainwell and Parchment while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Jerry graduated from Plainwell High School in 1948, where he ran track and was an exceptional student.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a student was Jerry’s introduction to the woman with whom he would share a lifetime of love. Her name was Shirley Williams, and he spotted her in the tenth grade. Although he was too shy to speak to her right away, he did follow her on his red bike. Eventually, Jerry mustered up enough courage to talk to her, and the rest is history as they say. It was 1946 when they began dating, and soon after they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Jerry and Shirley were married on July 3, 1948, at her parents’ house in Plainwell. Right after the wedding the newlyweds hopped in a Model T that was owned by his friend, Leo Root, and they headed to Otsego for their wedding photos. Together Jerry and his wife welcomed eight children including Walter, Cheryl, Thomas, Sally, Jeffrey, Mark, and the twins Jonathan and Judith into their hearts and home. They moved to Schoolcraft in the mid-fifties, and for the majority of their lives they had a three bedroom home with only one bathroom for their bustling brood.

Jerry worked hard to support his family, which allowed Shirley to stay home to raise the kids. He made a career in construction, working at Whitaker Construction, and he was a proud member carpenter’s union. Jerry has his footprint on buildings all over Kalamazoo County. He taught his boys everything they needed to know about the construction industry, and although they were in residential construction, his wisdom was an important part of their success. Jerry’s sons always sought his advice, listened to what he had to say, and then applied it to their own residential work. Because Jerry made sure that everyone did things right, there was the time that his boys made a cement staircase that was not up to par so he smashed it with a sledgehammer and made them start over!

During his retirement years, Jerry still kept busy. He took on side jobs remodeled kitchens from Schoolcraft and Kalamazoo all the way to Chicago as his work was in demand. A longtime resident of Schoolcraft, Jerry was a regular at Schoolcraft High School events. As his family grew to include 26 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one great great granddaughter, Jerry loved going wherever they were playing just as he had with his own children when they were younger. He never missed an event and work never came before them. Even up to this last Saturday he was at a great grandson's ballgame.

Even though he was straightforward and determined, Gerald Scott was even more driven when it came to loving and appreciating his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather if ever there was one, and providing for his family was the driving force behind his drive to succeed. Jerry was genuine in his concern for his friends and loved ones, and he was more than willing to do whatever he could to make life better for others. He will never be forgotten.

Gerald H. Scott, of Schoolcraft passed away on Monday, June 1, 2015. Gerald’s family includes his wife 66 years, Shirley; eight children: Walter (Wanda) Scott, of Portage; Cheryl Fowler, of Schoolcraft; Thomas (Deanna) Scott, of Schoolcraft; Sally (Ken) Mayes, of Schoolcraft; Jeffrey (Peggy) Scott, of Galesburg; Mark (Sue) Scott, of Schoolcraft; Jonathan (Teresa) Scott, of Schoolcraft; Judith (Doug) Walters, of Vicksburg; 26 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaugther. He is also survived by his siblings: Norman (LouAnn) Scott, of FL; Barbara Hall, of Kalamazoo; Martha (Kenneth) Dusseljee, of Kalamazoo; Nancy (Richard) Bierema, of FL. He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Joseph Mayes; granddaughter, Vanessa Scott; siblings: Mary Ellen, Edward, Frederick, Kenneth, Raymond, Patricia, Robert, Richard, and Phillip.

The family will receive friends on Friday, from 4-8 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269-375-2900). The memorial service will be held on Saturday at 1pm at the same location. Please visit Jerry’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook, share a memory and/or photo. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions to the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority and/or Schoolcraft Little League.