Herbert C. Jarrett

Herb went to be with the Lord on March 31, 2023, at the age of 98. He was born November 29, 1924, in Minetto, New York, one of seven children born to Charles and Aletha (Peavey) Jarrett.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 22, 1943, and trained for Military Police duties at Fort Custer, during which time he fell in love with the people and the surroundings of Kalamazoo. He was also trained as a surgical technician at Brooke General Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was stationed at the 93^rd Field Hospital at Camp John Hay in Baguio, Philippines for the duration of the war, being honorably discharged at Fort Dix on April 26, 1946. He returned to New York State, settling in Potsdam in St. Lawrence County. Herbert graduated in 1952 from the School of Practical Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, and began his career as a commercial artist.

On September 17, 1947, he was united in marriage to Beverly Joan Mott, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: George, his identical twin brother Albert, Jack, Robert and daughter-in-law, Janice E.B. Jarrett.

He is survived by one sister, Emogene Deering of Burlington, VT, and a brother, Fred (Jeannie) of Taft, TN. Also surviving are two children, S. D. Jay Jarrett of Climax, and Kimberly (Mark) Woolley of Delton. Two grandchildren, Matt (Alisha) Woolley of Delton, and Kristen (Josh) VanderWeide of Holt, and two great grandchildren, Claire and Myles.

In the mid-50s, Herb moved his family to Kalamazoo to fulfill a promise he made to himself while stationed at Fort Custer. There he worked for Landis Studios and Clarage Fan as a commercial photographer and artist. Later he and Beverly moved to Seminole, Florida, where he continued his career. Upon retiring in 1989, he and Bev moved back to Michigan and settled in the Hickory Corners area to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

For the past several years, Herb had been a resident at Thornapple Manor in Hastings. He enjoyed his time there and the staff took exceptional care of him and loved him. He never lost his sense of humor or quick wit. Many special friendships were made during those years.

During his long life, he was active in many organizations including the Civil Air Patrol, Masons, Order of the Eastern Star, Knights Templar, The Kalamazoo Male Chorus, The Nashville Five Plus, Barry County Commission on Aging, and the Thornapple Valley Dulcimers. He was also a member of the Nashville United Methodist Church.

Hobbies that Herb enjoyed were painting, wood carving, scuba diving, as well as playing his autoharp with local musical groups.

Per Herbert’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Thornapple Manor, Life Enrichment, 2700 Nashville Road, Hastings, MI 49058.