Jerry Lee Donihue

Jerry L. Donihue, 80, of Battle Creek died at Borgess Medical Center on Tuesday, August 30, 2016.

Jerry was born October 21, 1935 in Coldwater, Michigan to Leon and Mildred (Parker) Donihue. He grew up in Coldwater and the Gull Lake area. Jerry was a 1953 graduate of Kellogg Agricultural School, and then signed up to serve in the Navy. He honorably served his country from 1953-56 and served aboard the USS New Jersey and the USS Wisconsin. After the service he earned an Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Michigan Career and Technological Institute at Pine Lake in Delton. Jerry was previously employed at BC Packaging, Rich Manufacturing, E.W. Bliss in Hastings and retired as Vice President of Sales from L.J. Press Company in Indiana.

Jerry married Connie Jean Baker at First Methodist Church in Battle Creek on August 12, 1961. Surviving are Connie, his wife of 55 years; his sister, Joyce Williams of Charlotte, MI; a sister-in-law and her husband, Suzanne and Tom Sprau of Battle Creek; numerous nieces and nephews including; Jane (Russ) Claggett, Jill (Joe) Wright, Amy (Glen) Courter, Tom (Sherri) Sprau, Jr., Jon (Amy) Sprau; and numerous great nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jack Donihue.

Jerry was a member and past president of the Bedford Lions Club and a former member and past president of the Battle Creek Engineers Club. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, golfing and enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially the Detroit teams, Lions, Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings. He will be remembered as a man who loved family, friends, and being in service to others.

Friends will be received 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A committal service with military honors by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard will be held for Jerry's family at Bedford Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Bedford Lions Club, P.O. Box 284, Bedford, MI 49020. Arrangements are by Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.