Jack L. Cory

Jack Luther Cory, age 92, passed away peacefully at his home in Battle Creek on July 15, 2013. He was born in Miles City, Montana on January 9, 1921, the loving son of James C. and Winefred (Clayton) Cory.

Jack attended Miles City High School and worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps near Glacier National Park as a youth. He was drafted into the Unites States Air Force in 1943 and trained as a flight engineer for the B-24 and B-17 aircraft. On November 1, 1944, Jack married the "Love of His Life", Winifred Anderson, in Walla Walla, Washington before he departed to join the WWII efforts in Europe. He was discharged with the rank of SSgt in 1945 and resided in Battle Creek until the time of his passing. Jack worked for Reith-Riley and as a building engineer for the Battle Creek Public Schools until his retirement in 1981 after more than 22 years of faithful service.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Winifred Cory; his daughter, Suzanne Cory of Battle Creek; his sons, Jeff (Lisa) Cory of Tecumseh, Kevin (Cindy) Cory of Battle Creek, and his grandchildren, Linsey (Vandrick), Amanda, Julie and Jessica Cory. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Frank, Grace, James, Ruth and Jerry.

Jack's hobbies included hunting, fishing, photography, tinkering in the garage, snowmobiling, and riding his four-wheeler, "Big Blue". He attended the Michigan Fiddlers Club for many years and was known for storytelling. At family gatherings he would show home videos and tell stories of his life and travels. Jack was a member of Battle Creek Friends Church, the American Legion Post #54, United Commercial Travelers, and the Battle Creek Archery Club.

A memorial service to celebrate Jack's life will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 20, 2013 at the Battle Creek Friends Church, where a visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment with full military honors will be held privately at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making donations to the Battle Creek Friends Church, 1305 Olive St. Battle Creek, MI 49014. Arrangements were made by the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.