Gary Caesar

Gary Lynn “Jake” Caesar, 69, of Perrinton, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, 104 E. Cass Street, St. Johns, MI on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Tyler Barlage officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 3, 2016 from 3-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

Gary was born on March 12, 1947 in Gratiot County Michigan, the son of Carl and Susan (Thrush) Caesar.  When Gary was 19 he joined the US Army and served his country for 10 years. Gary served in Korea and in the Vietnam War where he received a Purple Heart for his injuries.  On February 17, 1969 he married Virginia Ray Kleitz in Valley Station, KY.  Gary worked for Sealed Power, SPX, Dana then retiring from Mahle Corporation in 2009 after 30 years.  He was a member of the VFW Post #3733 Fowler, Michigan.

He is survived by his wife Virginia Caesar of Perrinton, MI, 3  daughters; Jessica and Corey McDiarmid of St. Johns, MI, Nicole and Raymond Kolenda II of Belding, MI, Dawn and Dennis Smith of Breckenridge, MI, son Eric Caesar of St. Johns, MI, 6 grandchildren; AshTin, Mary, Blane, Mallory, Skyler, Raymond III, great grandson Patrick, sister Kitty Burns, 5 brothers; Don and Karen Caesar, Dan and Margaret “Peg” Caesar, Cal and Nancy Caesar, James Caesar, and Michael Caesar. He has many nieces and nephews that also survive him.  He was predeceased by his parents, daughter Rachel, grandson Dylan, and sisters; Norma and Joyce.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.