Gerald (Jerry) Waite

Born on July 17, 1942, Gerald (Jerry) L. Waite, age 81, passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2023. Jerry was a lifelong resident of Lansing. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He retired from Michigan State University Athletic Grounds Department at age 54 and then began a life of volunteer service. Jerry volunteered for the Lansing Police Department’s Handicapped Parking Enforcement, Prints for Life, and Riverwalk Patrol. He was a member of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and the Community Emergency Response Team, which led to his deployment with FEMA after several hurricane disasters. Jerry was the City of Lansing Office of Emergency Management Volunteer of the year in 2008. He was also a ham radio operator and a member of the Central Michigan Amateur Radio Club (CMARC) and Skywarn.  He was a graduate of Lansing Eastern High School, Class of 1960.

Jerry is survived by Sharon, his wife of 47 years; children, James (John) Waite, John (Melissa) Waite, Joseph Waite, and Tammy Waite. He is also survived by his sisters, Sharon (Gary) Bowser, Marylyn (David) Post, Judy (Wayne) Dingwell, and Cheryl (Ron) Claflin; 6 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rosa Hosler; father, Charles Waite; brother, James Waite; and sister, Cindy Fate.

Jerry’s celebration of life will be held Thursday July 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Hope Church, 202 S. Creyts Road, Lansing Michigan 48917.