Aug. 15, 1951 — Oct. 1, 2019

Jerry A. Shell, 68, of California, originally from Dowagiac, passed tragically following a car crash, on Oct. 1, 2019.

A graveside memorial will be on Oct. 25, 2019, at the Riverside Cemetery, 241 S. Front St., Dowagiac. A time will be announced at a later date. He will be cremated and laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery.

Jerry was born Aug. 15, 1951, in Dowagiac, to Ernestine (Ben) Pompey and Joe “Booker” Shell. He graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1969 and joined the Navy in 1970 to pursue a nursing degree. He had currently resided in Ontaria, California, with his lifelong partner Josie Noguer.

He was known to of loved his job, as he liked to meet new people every day. He was a class clown always smiling and joking. He loved his rum and coke. Nothing ever got him down. He was known to give the best advice and never let things bother him. He was hoping to recently to move back to Michigan to be closer to family and kids with the hopes of reconnecting. He was an avid collector of clowns and old cars.

Jerry is survived by his lifelong partner, Josie Noguer; five children, Tabitha, Philisity, Travis, Kellin and Clinton; siblings, Bobby Joe (Barb) Shell, of Kalamazoo, Michael (Duel) Shell, of South Bend, Vicky (Jamie Anderson), of Ohio, Randy (Patty) Pompey, of Kalamzoo, Ben (Marybeth) Pompey, Donny and Benita (Pompey) Lomax, of Ohio; and step-father, Ben Pompey.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

“Therefore, you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. John 16:22.”