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Gerald "Jerry" Richards
Born: 12/20/1932
Died: 5/22/2026
Age: 93
Community: Funeral service at First Baptist Church, Davison, MI
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RICHARDS, Gerald “Jerry” – of Davison, Michigan age 93, went to be with his Lord and Savior, at home, surrounded by his loving family, on May 22, 2026. A Funeral Service will be held at 12 PM on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Davison, First Baptist Church of Davison, Davison, Michigan 48423; Pastor Mike Halliburton officiating. Interment will take place following the service at Pine Grove Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 3:30-7 PM at Allen Funeral Home, 9136 Davison Road, Davison, Michigan 48423 and again on Thursday at church, one hour prior to the service, beginning at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Davison, Michigan Parkinson Foundation or Residential Hospice in honor of Jerry.
Jerry was born in Davison, Michigan on December 20, 1932, the son of the late Earl and Eunice (Lang) Richards. A lifelong resident of Davison, Jerry attended Davison schools and graduated from Michigan State University in June of 1955. Throughout his life, he worked side by side with his father on the family farm before beginning his career with AC Spark Plug in June of 1955. Later that same year, Jerry proudly answered the call to serve his country when he was drafted into the United States Navy in October of 1955. He was stationed in Hawaii during his military service. During a treasured 10-day leave, Jerry married the love of his life, Barbara Hagemeister, on December 22, 1955, at Court Street Methodist Church in Flint, Michigan. Together, they recently celebrated the beautiful milestone of their 70th wedding anniversary, a testament to a lifetime of love, devotion, and partnership. After returning home from Hawaii, Jerry and Barbara built their family home in Davison on the family farm, where he remained until his last day. Jerry resumed his career with AC Spark Plug, working in the sales department for 37 years until his retirement in September of 1991. Never one to stop serving his community, he later spent several years as Treasurer for Davison Township.
Above all else, Jerry’s life was centered around his unwavering faith in God and his personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. A faithful and devoted member of First Baptist Church of Davison, he sang in the choir, served as a trustee and deacon, and taught adult Sunday School for many years. His faith guided the way he lived. Jerry’s greatest joy was his family. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were truly the center of his world. He treasured the many memories they created together on family vacations (especially the trips Barbara wanted to go on), cruises, camping trips, travels abroad, winters spent in Panama City Beach, Florida, and countless cherished days at the family cottage at Houghton Lake.
Jerry loved the outdoors and found happiness in farming, gardening, golfing, taking long walks, and cutting wood alongside his son. He took special pride in owning his father’s Farmall H tractor, a meaningful connection to his family’s farming heritage. An avid sports fan, Jerry faithfully cheered for the Detroit Tigers and Michigan State, but his favorite athletes were always his own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Jerry will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful servant of God, proud veteran, hardworking provider, and a kind, steady presence whose love and example will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Jerry is survived by loving wife, Barbara; children: Gregg (Maria) Richards, Kathy (Rick) Knappe and Suzanne (Brian Lumpkin) Richards; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Josh) Oele, Mallory (Ryan) Hazard, Gregg (Alyson) Knappe, Garrett (Amanda) Knappe and Logan (Taylor) Richards; great grandchildren: Liam Hazard, Owen Hazard, Emerson Knappe, Beckham Knappe and one more on the way in June; many other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by sisters: Helen Ross and Beatrice Messmore.
The family would like to give special thanks to Suvanah, Jenny and Ja’net who lovingly cared for Jerry over the past few years. Also thanks to Dorothea Weist and Pastor Mike Halliburton, Residential Home Care and Residential Hospice and to so many at First Baptist Church for their continued prayers and support.
Please share your thoughts with the family at www.allenfuneralhomeinc.com |
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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5/27/2026 |
| Time: |
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3:30 PM |
The family will receive visitors Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 3:30-7 PM at Allen
Funeral Home, 9136 Davison Road, Davison, Michigan 48423 and again on Thursday at church, one
hour prior to the service, beginning at 11 AM. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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5/28/2026 |
| Time: |
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12:00 PM |
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| Location: |
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First Baptist Church of Davison
First Baptist Church of Davison
Davison, MI 48423Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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Pastor Mike Halliburton |
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