Gerald (Jerry) Covey died peacefully on December 2, 2020. He had been a resident at Spectrum Health Kelsey Hospital RNC. Gerald Duane Covey was born September 22, 1931 in Solon township, Kent County, Michigan. He married Barbara Reed on July 2, 1955. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two daughters Valerie Willett (Robert), and Anita Carpenter; two sons Martin Covey (Kim) and Bruce Covey (Jennifer); one brother, Robert Covey (Mabel); 16 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild on the way; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Warren and Alice Covey; sister Carmen Grove; brothers and sisters-in-law Walter and June Covey, and Caron and Carol Covey; and his son-in-law Jack Carpenter. Jerry served in the Marine Corp during the Korean War from 1952-1954 and was in the Marine Corp Reserves until 1960. He received his training in Twenty-Nine Palms, California, and was stationed in Hawaii and Japan. Following his retirement from Michigan Knife Company, Jerry sold cell phones at the Altel cell phone kiosk in Big Rapids Walmart and worked in security for River Ridge Resort in Mecosta County. He was a long-time member of the Brockway Wesleyan Church in Morley, Michigan. He faithfully served in the church as Head Usher/Greeter, and as a trustee for many, many years. He is remembered for his ability to make visitors feel at home, and for treating all the children as if they were his own grandchildren. As one recently shared, "He was, quite possibly, my favorite part of church as a child." Jerry and Barb were long standing members of the rural Stanwood community. Jerry served as a member of the Community Emergency Response Team, and as a member of the Mecosta County Sheriff's Department Posse from 1993 to 2015. Jerry will be endearingly remembered for his love of God, love of large family gatherings, love of electronic gadgets (especially CB radios and police scanners), and a humorous story. He really loved his wifes tasty home-cooking, popcorn, and a strong cup of coffee. Oh.and dessert. For the past 18 months Jerry had been a resident at Spectrum Health Kelsey Hospital RNC. The family is so grateful for the nurses, aides, and staff members at Kelsey, and for their excellent and compassionate care. Many of them became like family, considering not only Jerrys needs, but the needs of his wife and extended family. They consistently went above and beyond the call of duty in caring for Jerry. A Memorial Service will take place 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Brockway Wesleyan Church in Morley with Pastor Jeff Lemire and Pastor Roger Cooper officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the Church. Jerry will be laid to rest at Hinton Township Cemetery. Share a memory or condolence with the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Memorial Service Wednesday, September 22, 2021 11:00 AM Brockway Wesleyan Church 10951 3 Mile Road Morley,Michigan 49336 The family will greet friends Wednesday, September 22, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Brockway Wesleyan Church 10951 3 Mile Road Morley,Michigan 49336