Gerald Anthony Wesley

Gerald Anthony Wesley Jr of Clarkridge, Arkansas passed away April 29, 2023, at his home, surrounded by love. He was born November 24, 1947, in Faribault, Minnesota, the son of Gerald and Deloris (Jensen) Wesley. Many knew him as “Butch” or “Tony,” but more importantly he was called Dad and later Grandpa.

Butch served proudly in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 until 1974 and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He loved his fellow Veterans and was passionate about helping others. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, the VFW and the Marine Corps League. He rode proudly and loudly with his Brothers as a longtime member of the In Country Vietnam Motorcycle Club.

He married the love of his life Monica (Flanery) Mead on May 2, 2009, in Faribault, MN. They blended their families into one, with no labels and a philosophy of “You claim mine and I’ll claim yours, forever.”

Butch loved riding, fishing and family. He was a true Vikings fan from the very beginning. He also loved flowers, gardening and bossing around family members in the kitchen and garage. His laughter was loud and infectious and he lived life fully and courageously. Heaven became much noisier when he arrived.

Butch is survived by his wife, Monica Wesley of Clarkridge, AR; daughters, Melissa (Terry) Jandro of Faribault, MN and Amy (James) West of Faribault, MN; son, Matthew (Christal) Wesley of Galena, KS; sister, Gatha (Richard) Mittelstaedt of Waseca, MN; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his faithful service dog Betty Lou, and his ICVMC Brothers.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Erin Mead; brother, Scott and sister, Deborah Wesley.

Visitation will begin at 11:30 am with ceremony at 1:00 pm on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home in Mountain Home, AR. Burial will follow at 2:00 pm at Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery, Mountain Home, AR. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Marine Corps and Alley-White American Legion Post #52 Honor Guards.

There will be family on motorcycles (including Butch’s trike) as well as Patriot Guard Riders. Dress as comfortably as you wish; denim and leather are welcome whether or not you ride. Instead of sending flowers or plants, please consider planting something pretty in your own yard in memory of Butch. He loved sharing perennials with friends and would love to see that kind of beauty spread everywhere.

A memorial service will also be held in Minnesota with date and location yet to be determined.