Bruce Arlen Priest

Bruce Arlen Priest, age 77, of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away peacefully on Monday morning, October 7, 2024 at the Country Living Senior Center. He was born in La Porte, Indiana on May 27, 1947, the son of Andrew V. and Alice F. (Brant) Priest. Bruce grew up in the South Bend, Indiana area and faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Army in Thailand & Germany. When he returned home, he met and married Sandra Pitts and adopted her son Brian as his very own. They divorced in the 1970’s, but remained to be close friends even today. 

Bruce worked at General Motors in Kalamazoo for 15 years and then as an over the road truck driver for 35 years and millions of miles. Bruce had an incredible sense of humor, was a true practical joker and was always cutting up.

Bruce is survived by his son, Brian (Tiffany) Priest of Kalamazoo; his grandchildren, Alexandria Marie Priest of Portland, Justin Michael (Kaylee Becker) Priest of Portland, and Liam Philip Priest of Kalamazoo; his great grandson, Renji Oliver Priest; his sister, Laura Lee Schoffert of Niles; and his brother, Odas Carol Stewart of Niles. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tera Nico Priest; his parents; his step-mom, Billy Lavo Priest; his sister, Merrilyn Ellen Trethewey; and his brother, Lindell Howard Stewart.

Interment with full military honors will be held 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Radiant Church 8157 East DE Ave., Richland, MI 49083. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.