Grand Rapids - Jerry Sinclair Wells, longtime resident of Manton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 6, 2017 at Spectrum Health's Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids. He was 73.

Jerry was born on March 7, 1944, in Traverse City, Michigan to Max and Inez (Newell) Wells. On September 2, 1961 he entered into marriage with the former Penny Paddock in Fife Lake.  The couple celebrated over 56 years of marriage together making their home in Manton and raising three children. 

In earlier years, Jerry grew up in the Fife Lake area, where he attended school both there and in Kingsley.  He began his working career trimming Christmas trees for several local farms, he eventually settled at Manton Industries for a number of years before their closing.  Jerry also spent time with the County Road Commission.  He finished his career working for Erb Lumber in both Manton and Cadillac retiring from there.  He was a self proclaimed "Junker", "Scrapper" and "Grease monkey", he loved to collect, pick-up, or bring home just about anything he saw value in.  Jerry could often be found spending time fishing with friends and family, working over one of his beloved Farmall tractors, or in search of his next big find.  He had a passion for duct tape and supported the idea, if duct tape can’t fix it, it couldn’t be fixed. Jerry loved animals, especially his basset hounds, and enjoyed every opportunity he could spend with family.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Penny Wells of Manton; his three children, Jerry (Sherryl) Wells, Robin (Tim) Loving and Tammy (Jerry) Hurlburt all of Manton; three grandchildren, Derek (Hailee) Shepler, Rhaeann Shepler, and Jennifer Mosher; a beautiful new great-granddaughter, Kinsey; his sister, Virginia Six and a brother, William Wells. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Donna Kerr.

Graveside committal services will be held at 2:00 pm at Greenwood Township Cemetery, located on 35 Road in Manton, on Sunday, November 19, 2017.  Following the time at the cemetery the family will celebrate Jerry's Life, with a time of food and fellowship, at the Barn Hall, 3888 N Old US 131 Hwy, Manton, Michigan  49663 beginning at 3:00 pm, also on the 19th. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Wells Family, in care of Penny Wells.

 Service Information