Gerard Daniel Webster Jr.

Gerard (“Jerry”) D Webster Jr, a devoted husband, father, and man of God, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2023, at the age of 79. He was a cherished member of the St Joseph’s Catholic Parish community, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and deep faith in Jesus, Mary, and the Church.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Howell, Michigan, and known as “Danny” to his Michigan family, Jerry was a passionate individual who embraced life with a zest for adventure and a profound love for his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Anne, for 52 years, and a loving father to his five children. His family remembers him as a pillar of strength and unwavering support, always ready to offer a warm smile and a comforting word.

Jerry's life was marked by a deep commitment to his faith. He possessed a true Franciscan spirituality and found solace and guidance in his beliefs. His spiritual journey led him to serve as a missionary to the Navajo Nation, and then to service in the Peace Corps in Bolivia, where he dedicated himself to helping the community of San Joaquin to eradicate disease. He was later drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War, where he served in South Korea. He later volunteered his energy to the Diocesan Marriage Renewal ministry for decades, serving as a speaker with his wife, Anne.

A man of many talents, Jerry was an avid reader and writer, penning two novels and numerous short stories. He was also a gifted cartoonist and poet, using his creativity to bring joy to those around him. Beyond his artistic pursuits, he was a skilled handyman, building trinkets, contraptions, and tree houses for his kids and grandkids.

Jerry's zest for life was evident in his love for games and outdoor activities. He played football in high school, enjoyed euchre, board games, and dominoes, and he relished beach walks and camping trips with his family and the Boy Scouts. He was a private pilot for many years, and his trademark was his brimmed cowboy-hat style, so that he was known as “Jerry the Hat” to many. And his unabated taste for ice cream and coffee will live on in his family.

Jerry's legacy extends beyond his family and friends to the countless individuals he touched through his work as an addictions counselor for over 30 years, and as a sponsor to many friends for 42 years. His compassion and dedication to helping others transformed countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on those he counseled.

He will be remembered for his relentless humor, dad jokes, and pranks, and his unwavering devotion to his family and faith. He was a beacon of light, spreading warmth and kindness wherever he went. His memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him. And his love for the Divine Mercy Chaplet will carry forth in his family.

He is survived by his wife Anne, whom he loved deeply, his children Michael, Kevin, Jennifer, William, and Steven, his grandchildren Riley, Violet, and Audrey, his siblings Alice, Denise, Linda, Chris, and Joseph, and his daughters-in-law Ruth and Amber. He is preceded in death by his sister Diane.

A memorial service will be held on October 27, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St Joseph’s Historic Church in Mandarin, preceded by Rosary at 9:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Divine Mercy House www.divinemercyhouse.org/give or the Cancer Research Institute www.give.cancerresearchinstitute.org.