Gerald Painter

Described as a deep thinking man of conviction with an impeccable work ethic, a constant love for his family, and an unwavering faith, Gerald Painter was an extraordinary man who impacted those around him in a positive way. He was a real man’s man who made sacrifices for his family with ease and gave everything he did his all. Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who was the patriarch of his family and a role model for the younger generations to strive to follow after. He was frugal and resourceful with a strong belief that he could put nearly everything to good use. Jerry leaves behind a shining legacy that is deeply rooted in faith, unconditional love for others, and timeless wisdom that will be carried on by those who follow him.

With the end of WWI in 1918, America was recognized as a world leader for the first time and poised for greatness. As the 1920s were visible on the horizon, Gerald William was born to his parents, William Tromp and Viola Painter, on December 26, 1919. He was later adopted by M.L. and Myrtle Painter on December 20, 1923, and his name was changed to Gerald Leroy Painter. He was the only child in the family and was raised in the family home on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids. He was very involved in his church and also active in the Boy Scouts. Jerry was always proud of his scouting days and even earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout, which is anything but easy. He attended local schools and graduated from Creston High School.

After graduating, Jerry worked for Olivier Machinery for a time but later enlisted in the Navy in October of 1942. While in the military he became an airplane mechanic and was stationed in Washington, D.C., although he also spent a lot of time in Puerto Rico. Jerry enjoyed his time in the service and often basked in the sun on the roof of the barracks. He also bought a private plane with some friends while stationed in Puerto Rico and occasionally got to fly it.

Once he returned to Washington, D.C., big changes were in store for Jerry when he met a woman named Virginia “Ginny” Dare Jones while at Glen Echo Amusement Park. She was also in the Navy, and they rode the derby racer together that day. They began dating, and as their discharge dates grew closer they saw each other more and more. Deeply in love, Jerry and Ginny were married on January 12, 1946. After a honeymoon in Boston, he convinced her to move to his hometown of Grand Rapids, and after maneuvering through a snowstorm while en route the newlyweds finally made it. Together they were blessed with the births of four children including Tim who was born on their one year anniversary, followed by their three daughters, Cindy, Karen, and Sharon, who was born 16 years after Tim.

For work Jerry tried a few things out before settling in at Corduroy Rubber Company where he spent his entire career until he retired. He was a machinist and die maker who enjoyed his work.

Throughout his life Jerry loved spending time with his family. When their firstborn, Tim, was young, the Painter family moved to a house on Briggs Boulevard where Jerry and his family lived for nearly 60 years. As a father he was a firm disciplinarian, but there was little doubt about his expectations or his opinions, and they never really changed much. During their younger years Jerry often took his children out for walks in the woods, and there were also regular Sunday drives, often on gravel roads with the occasional stop at the root beer stand.

The only thing that was of greater importance to Jerry than his family was his faith. He was a lifelong member of Fairmont Baptist Church, which is now North Park Baptist. Church life and his church family were both of great significance to Jerry as well, and over the years he served in a variety of ways including as a deacon, treasurer, and Sunday school teacher just to name a few. His children even joked that if the doors of the church were open, they were there. Jerry took prophesy and the Book of Revelation very seriously and was consistently studying everything he could find about these topics and often enjoyed a good debate. Although he wasn’t forceful in discussing his faith, he never did turn down an opportunity to talk about theology. Jerry’s Bible was his constant companion, and he read it to his family at every meal.

Around the house Jerry was one to keep busy. After work he usually read the paper and then could be found either out in his extensive vegetable and berry garden, doing yard work, or working in his shop that moved from the Michigan basement to the garage later on. Jerry was very creative and inventive with a keen eye for seeing a way to build something that would make life easier. His skills included working with both metal and wood. Jerry was very handy and tackled any project around the home such as making a swingset that lasted for years in addition to bird feeders as he loved watching the birds.

Although he was deeply saddened with the death of his wife in 2007, Jerry was able to remain in his home for a few years with the help of his family before making his final move to Rest Haven. It comes as no surprise that he turned his room there into a workshop.

A faithful servant of the Lord he loved with all his heart, soul, and mind, Gerald Painter lived a life of purpose filled with unending love for his family and friends. He enjoyed things like fishing, hunting, camping and working outside, but nothing was better than being with his family and friends. Jerry had a quick wit and liked to make the mood light with a smart remark or two, and his zest for life was contagious. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Gerald "Jerry" Painter entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on May 13, 2014. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ginny, in 2007. Jerry is survived by his children Tim Painter, Cindy & Geof Livezey, Karen & George Brainard, Sharon & Tedd Litty; grandchildren (and great grandchildren) Ginger & Austin Schell (Sophia, Christian), Kris & Nathanial Painter, James & Lori Livezey, Tom & Holly Livezey (Celia), John & Corie Livezey (Kyle, Kaiden, Dominic, Dakota), Andy & Jenny Price (Caleb, Cody), Tony & Alyssa Price (Lex, Kyha, Avi, Treyton), Jared & Molly Litty, Jillian & Brad Ledger (Baby Ledger), Jennelle & Mario Lucia (Gabriel), and Josie Litty; and many friends. Gerald was a longtime member of North Park Baptist Church where a service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Entombment in Chapel Hill Memorial Garden. Jerry proudly served in the U.S. Navy. His family expresses their sincere gratitude to Rest Haven Home for their patience and permissiveness in allowing Jerry to make his room his home. For those who wish, memorial contributions to North Park Baptist Church are appreciated. You may read more about Gerald's life, share a favorite memory or photo or sign the register by visiting www.lifestorynet.com.

By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. I Corinthians 15:10