Obituary of Jerry B. McCarty

Jerry B. McCarty, 69, of Niles passed away at The Center for Hospice Care in Roseland on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 with his wife and family by his side. Jerry was born on December 19, 1942 in Galien, Michigan to the late Frank and Louise McCarty. Jerry graduated from Galien High School in 1961. The family lost not only a husband, father and grand father but a man who dedicated his life providing the invaluable service of providing water to many of you in the community. They lost their "Well Man". He learned his trade from his father Frank and in turn passed it on to his two boys. He began his career as a machinist but quickly realized how much he wanted to be outside, so in 1972 he purchased the business from his father and provided service to people well in to his retirement. He was an active member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles, a member of the Three Oaks Spokes Bike Club and of the Monday Night Running Club. On February 13, 1999 Jerry wed Jean Stillwell. Jerry was a simple man who enjoyed hiking and biking with his wife, Jean, keeping him fit and healthy until cancer robbed him of what should have been the best years of his life. Jerry was never known to give up on anything and he held true to that while battling for his life. He is preceded in death by his parents. Jerry is survived by his wife Jean, sons Greg (Ulrike) McCarty and Michael McCarty, both of Buchanan, Michigan, stepson Todd Stilwell of Colorado Springs, Colorado, three grandchildren Lindsey (Brad) Heron, Carsten and Tristen McCarty, all of Buchanan, two step grandchildren Nichole Stilwell of Houston, Texas and Cyndee (David) Wardle of Vista, California, one step great grandson Johnathan Wardle and one brother Leonard (Carol) McCarty of Galien. A memorial service to honor Jerry's life will be held on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with a time of visitation two hours prior at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Rev. Thomas King C.S.C. will be officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Jerry's name to The Center for Hospice Care at 111 Sunnybrook Court; South Bend, IN 46637, Berrien County Cancer Services at 7301 Red Arrow Highway Stevensville, MI 49127 or St. Jude's Children's Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105.