Gerald Thomas Campbell

In the gentle town of South Lyon, under skies so wide and clear,

Gerald Thomas Campbell was born, bringing joy and cheer.

On May the thirty-first in '48, a bright new life did start,

And Jerry, as we fondly knew, would play a vital part.

He grew with wisdom, grace, and wit, a jack of every trade,

In Brighton High, he honed his skills, foundations firmly laid.

An electrician, carpenter, and mechanic with finesse,

His hands could fix, create, and build; his work was sure to impress.

Jerry's life was full of zest, a passion pure and true,

His optimism shone like dawn, each day it would renew.

Intelligent in every way, his mind was sharp and keen,

In tales and life, he mirrored Abe, a Lincoln to be seen.

With stories that could fill a room, the gift of gab was his,

He'd weave a yarn, a hearty laugh, a moment full of bliss.

He loved the sun upon his back, the earth beneath his feet,

Building dreams from wood and wire, with every task complete.

Though Cancer came, a thief at night, and took our Jerry away,

On December's twelfth in '24, he found eternal day.

In Lansing's arms, he breathed his last, where angels did descend,

To carry him from this mortal coil, his soul they would attend.

Preceded by his dearest kin, his father, Howard, led,

Followed close by Geraldine, his mother's guiding thread.

His sister, Lorraine, and niece, Diedre, with nephews in their wake,

Thomas and Timmy, hand in hand, for Heaven's journey take.

His spouse, Sonja, once by his side, in love they were entwined,

Now all together, they await, with peace and joy to find.

But Jerry's legacy remains, in those he's left behind,

John Paul, Joseph, Aria Rose, through them his light will shine.

With Kimberly, and Russell too, their partners strong and true,

And Kim Koster, his loving mate, as bright as morning dew.

Karen, Regina, Randall stand, with partners close at hand,

Nick, Thomas, Joyce, a family band, they’ll always understand.

Barbara, Joseph, Michelle, with Tamara Smith in tow,

A lineage of love and life, from Jerry's heart did grow.

Grandchildren Jordan, Taylor, Alissa, and Tajma.,

A living tapestry of kin, a palette of vibrant hues.

An uncle to many, great-uncle more, in dozens they extend,

Eighteen nieces, twenty-five more, their lives with his do blend.

In every laugh, in every step, his memory will thrive,

For Jerry's spirit's ever strong, in their hearts alive.

So let us not in sorrow drown, but lift our hearts instead,

And celebrate the life of one, whose love was widespread.

For Jerry, our dear patriarch, a soul so bright and free,

Will be remembered, cherished, loved, throughout eternity.