PRIEST, GARY GENE, age 72, of Shepherd passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor following a 7 year courageous battle with cancer.

A Private Memorial Service for Gary will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Envelopes will be available at Clark Family Funeral Chapel.

Gary was born on February 10, 1945, in Rosebush, the son of Hiram and Anna (Migas) Priest. Gary graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1964. He married Charlene Utterback on April 10, 1965. Gary was a dedicated foreman for Oak Division of Refrigeration Research, working there for 38 years. After retirement, Gary was able to dedicate more time to his hobby farm, which was a dream of his for years. He and Charlene loved going to his grandchildren's activities and sporting events, spending time gathering with family, hunting with his children, and farming, especially bailing hay with his children and grandchildren. Gary was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be sadly missed.

Gary is survived by his wife of 52 years, Charlene; children, Wendy (Ron) Elliott, Julie (Mike) Martin, and John (Jolene) Priest; 6 grandchildren, Ryan Elliott, Emily Elliott, Daniel Martin, Nicholas Martin, Nicolette Priest, and Lydia Priest; and brother, Jim Priest.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Chelsea and Helen Utterback.