Jeffery "Jeff" Everhart

Jeffery D. “Jeff” Everhart, age 69, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully at his home on Friday morning, August 11, 2023 after a very courageous battle with Cancer.  He was born in Battle Creek on January 29, 1954, the son of Raynor and Marion (Hirleman) Everhart and graduated from Harper Creek High School with the Class of 1972.  Jeff retired from Duncan Aviation in 2019 after more than 19 years of service.  He previously worked at Professional Color, Battle Creek Ford and Clark Equipment.  An incredible painter, Jeff also owned & operated Everhart Customs for many years.

On September 19, 1987, Jeff married Tonya Hoogakker Everhart.  After 28 years, that marriage ended in divorce, but together they were Blessed with a beautiful daughter Bailey, which Jeff felt was the crowning moment of his life.

Jeff is survived by his daughter, Bailey Everhart and her mom, Tonya; his incredible life-partner & “Co-Captain” of more than 9 years, Jennifer Abrams; his brothers & sister, Jerry Everhart, T.R. (Rita) Everhart, Mark Everhart, and Dolly (Allan) Shepard; his “father-in-law”, Joe Kitchen; brother-in-law, Jim Hayes; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sue Ann Hayes.

Jeff had a true passion for painting cars & motorcycles, and received several awards for his work.  He always enjoyed seeing his work displayed at several car & motorcycle shows.  Jeff had an incredible zest for life and adventure.  Whether it was his car, motorcycle or boat, it had to be the fastest and best looking.

Jeff always tried to be a “great guy”, helping others in need and always providing for those he loved.  He especially had a great desire for helping veterans & first responders and giving all children a wonderful Christmas.  Jeff was a member of the Sons of the American Legion & Legion Riders; the P.N.A.; a founding member of Racheal’s Angels, delivering Christmas gifts to hundreds of children; a dedicated Road Captain for the Calhoun County Red White & Blue Foundation, leading multiple charity rides for veterans, first responders & bringing the “Wall That Heals” to Calhoun County; and a lifetime member of the National Street Rod Association. 

Jeff was loved by so many and will be truly missed.  Friends will be received from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m., Sunday, August 20^th at the P.N.A. Club (Cash Only), 15 Clair St, Battle Creek, MI 49014 where a memorial service to celebrate his life “Jeff’s Way” will begin at 1:30 p.m. the service was recorded and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/856234837.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Racheal’s Angels and/or the Calhoun County Red White & Blue Foundation (c/o Battle Creek Community Foundation). Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek.  Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

The family has created a beautiful slideshow of memories and it may be viewed by clicking here.