Obituary of Jerry LeVonne Artis

Jerry LaVonne Artis was born July 10, 1939, is Saltillo TN to Marvin and Lou Ellen (Shannon) Artis.  the family moved to Kalamazoo Mi when Jerry was 9 years old.  He attended Kalamazoo public schools and Kalamazoo SDA school.  He graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1958.

Jerry joined the United States Air Force in 1961 and served until 1965.  After serving in the military he was employed by Simplex Time Company and attended Western Michigan University.  Later he was employed by the State of Michigan as an electrician working at the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital until his retirement.

In 1968 he married Lesley Hayden, they had three children.  He is survived by Lesley, his wife of 50 years, Kimberly (Daniel) Snow, Kevin (Theresa) Artis and Kyle (Barb) Artis, 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, brothers Tom (LaVaune) Artis,  Larry (Mary) Artis, and Jim (Pam) Artis along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Lou Ellen Artis and his brother Bobby.

Jerry was a quiet person but really enjoyed visiting with his family, traveling when possible.  He also enjoyed church and church functions.  He liked to read and study the Bible.  He was a big Boston Red Sox fan.  Summers were especially enjoyable when he would go to Silver Lake with Lesley and often explored the area, he loved when the family would join, having a campfire and he loved s’mores.

Jerry will be greatly missed by this family and friends.  He had the hope of Jesus soon return and spending eternity with his Savior.

His memorial service will be held on October 6th, 2018 at 5 pm at Kalamazoo Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1601 Nichols Road Kalamazoo MI 49006.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Kalamazoo SDA Church Kitchen Remodel fund.