Gerald Lee VanVleet

April 23, 1939 - November 27, 2020

Gerald Lee VanVleet, age 81 of Charlotte, MI, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 27, 2020. He was born April 23, 1939 in Battle Creek, the son of Eva Mae Butler and Robert Stevens VanVleet. He married his loving wife, Shirley, on July 26, 1969, and they have been married for 51 years. He enjoyed his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. An avid race fan, Gerald could be found at Spartan or Springport speedway every weekend during the summer. He also enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, and taking rides on his John Deere tractor. Gerald is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, Rebecca Reid of Eaton Rapids; Marjorie (Chris) Bashaw of Charlotte, and Jeremy (Jennifer) VanVleet of Petaluma CA; four grandchildren, Thomas Reid of Eaton Rapids, Samantha (Deven) Hoag of Coldwater, Jake Smith of Coldwater, and Richard Harris Jr. of Angola, IN; four step-grandchildren, Christopher (Brittany) Bashaw Jr. of Quincy, Samantha Bashaw of Owosso, Hailey Bashaw of Traverse City, and Rose Smith of Ocean Side, CA; nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Robert (Donna) VanVleet Jr. of Lake Lavine; and sister, Ruby VanVleet of Coldwater; and many nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, David VanVleet of Battle Creek and Ronald VanVleet of Bellevue; son-in-law Michael Reid of Eaton Rapids; and great-grandson Jayden Smith of Hillsdale. Friends are encouraged to support Gerald's family at the visitation Tuesday December 1, from 2- 4 pm and 6-8 PM at the Pray Funeral Home, 401 W. Seminary St, Charlotte. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. Due to Covid 19 restrictions the family will be holding a limited attendance funeral service at 2:00 pm Wednesday December 2, 2020 at the Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Chuck Jenson officiating. Interment will follow at Perry Cemetery. The funeral will also be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Gerald's tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast.