To know DeWayne Gest was to understand what it meant to live wholeheartedly. DeWayne spent his life building connections, nurturing others, and finding joy in the everyday moments that many overlook.

Born on July 2, 1953, at Sturgis Hospital, DeWayne was the son of Richard “Dick” and Delores (Topp) Gest. He was raised in Burr Oak, Michigan, and graduated from Burr Oak High School in 1971.

DeWayne worked as a Quality Control Engineer for most of his professional life, bringing care, precision, and dedication to his work.

On September 7, 1973, DeWayne married Rosemary Sloan at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis, Michigan. Together, they shared nearly 53 years of marriage and raised four children, building a family rooted in love and lasting traditions.

Those who loved DeWayne will remember his humor, his unwavering generosity, and the countless ways he showed up for others. His legacy lives on in the stories shared, the traditions kept, and the love he gave freely.

DeWayne is survived by his wife, Rosemary; their four children, Tarina (Dave) Jansen, Dennis (Heidi) Gest, Amber (Jeff) Troyer, and Tom (Megan) Gest; and 11 grandchildren: Brittany (Jakab) Selner, Cody (Elizabeth) Jansen, Joe (Linda) Gest, Mariah (Taya Bower) Jansen, Brady Gest, Karissa Gest, Grant Gest, Makenzi (Matthew Claerhout) Troyer, Kamryn (Garett Klein) Troyer, Riley Gest, and Alexis Gest.

He is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Emma, Eloise, Adeline, and Genevieve Jansen, and Owen and Scottie Gest, with another great-granddaughter expected in October 2026.

DeWayne is further survived by his sisters, Pamela (David) Davenport, Penney (Ben) Kulpinski, and Alice (Jerry) Bell; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bud and Margaret Sloan; and 19 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard “Dick” and Delores (Topp) Gest; his parents-in-law, Paul and Gertrude (Wedding) Sloan; his brother-in-law, Gerald Sloan; and his sister-in-law, Sharon (Sloan) Nash.

To honor DeWayne’s life, visitation will take place at Eley Funeral Home, 235 W. Burr Oak St., Centreville, Michigan, 49032 on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for DeWayne will be held at St. Clare Catholic Church, 23126 M-86, Centreville, MI 49032 on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Interment for DeWayne will take place following mass at the Prairie River Cemetery in Centreville, Michigan.

DeWayne’s family welcomes messages and memories in their online guestbook at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.