Girard Dennis Reid, age 86, of Battle Creek, died Wednesday, September 23, 2015. “Jerry” was born February 3, 1929 in Lynbrook, New York the son of Joseph and Edna Reid. He was the ninth son born into a large family of twelve sons and one daughter. After high school, Jerry served in the Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at Ft. Custer. While in Battle Creek, he met Mary Lou Scanlon and the two were married on August 22, 1953. They settled in Battle Creek and spent 56 years together until Mary Lou’s death in 2010. Jerry was employed for over thirty years in the engineering department of Clark Equipment. He was a founding member of St. Jerome parish and later, became an active member of St. Joseph parish. Jerry was very proud of his Irish heritage and helped found the local Irish American Club and also sang as an Irish tenor. He enjoyed reading, WWII history, researching the genealogy of his family, and was a high school football referee. Jerry is survived by his children: Tom (Patty), Cathy, Dennis (Kathy Varricchio) and John; and his grandchildren: Eric Reid, Katie Elizabeth Reid MD, Katie Ann Reid, Tyler Reid, Jason McNeir and Teddy McNeir. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Sunday, September 27, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Monday, September 28, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Ben Huynh officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The American Heart Association. www.henryfuneralhome.org