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Lawrence Wayne Sims
COLOMA - Lawrence Wayne Sims, 56 of Coloma went to be with his Lord Monday, May 11, 2009, at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo.
Larry, as he was known by all who knew him, was born July 18, 1952, in Watervliet, the son of Orvil and Sadie (Clayton) Sims, both of whom preceded him in passing. Also preceding him in passing was a sister, Barbara Hauch.
Larry was best known as the favorite bartender and cook at the Elite Bar in Watervliet and as a great pool player. Larry worked at APL Logistics and Imperial Printing, where he dedicated many years of loyal service. Larry's favorite hobbies were woodworking, cooking and most importantly, spending time with his family.
Larry is survived by his two children, Christy (Ricky) and Charles, and six grandchildren, Erica, Ryan, Tyler and Camron Preciado of Coloma and Dylan and Tori of Arkansas. He is also survived by the love of his life, Laurie and Katie Davis of Coloma; siblings, William (Kathy) Sims and Ronnie (Cathy) Sims, both of Alabama, Rodger (Linda) Sims of Dowagiac and Patricia (Jerry) Winfield of Arizona, as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today, May 13, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. The service to honor his memory will commence at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at the funeral home. Pastor Larry Nail of the New Life Christian Center, Coloma will serve as officiant. Burial will follow the services at Fairview Memorial Cemetery, Watervliet. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Larry's name may be made to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Norma Sue McCain
BENTON HARBOR - Norma Sue McCain, 65, of Benton Harbor, passed away at home Sunday, May 10, 2009.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. today in the chapel at North Shore Memory Gardens. Pastor Andrew Menz from Salem Lutheran Church will officiate. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma is handling the arrangements.
Norma was born on Feb. 11, 1944, in Leachville, Ark., to Luther and Mattie May (Ryon) McCain. She resided with her brother Frank, his wife Teresa and their daughter Anna McCain at their home in Benton Harbor for the past 20 years.
Also surviving is a brother, Charles McCain of Florida, and her sister, Shirley (Emil) Barg of Buchanan.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Mattie; three brothers, John, Robert and Willard "Jr." McCain; and her sister, Ruby Remington.
Karl D. Fisher
BERRIEN CENTER - Karl D. Fisher, 47, of Berrien Center died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 10, 2009, in Berrien Springs.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at the Berrien Center Bible Church, with Pastor Mark Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 to 8 p.m. today, May 13, at the Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs, and to leave online messages for the family at www.allredfuneralhome.com. A memorial fund has been set up at Chemical Bank for contributions to be made "In Memory of Karl Fisher."
Karl was born Oct. 17, 1961, in Niles, the son of Kenneth and Marlene (Deitrich) Fisher. He proudly served his country with the United States Marines. In addition to having his own farm, Karl was an integral part of Bixby Orchards in Berrien Springs. He held memberships in Farm Bureau, N.R.A., and the American Legion Stover-Wagner Post 85 in Berrien Springs.
Survivors include his mother, Marlene (Dwight) Gillette of Berrien Springs; his father, Kenneth Fisher of Englewood, Fla.; four daughters, Paula (Stephen) Wedde of Berrien Center, June (Will) Marsh of Joliet, Ill., and Meghan and Cyndi Fisher, also of Berrien Center; a sister, Andrea Gillette of Niles; and three brothers, Tom (Jodi) Fisher of Berrien Center, Matt Fisher of Baroda and Bill (Kym) Fisher of Berrien Springs.
Karl was preceded in death by a sister, Cindy Archer, in 1999.
Roger D. Gentry
WEST LAFAYETTE, IND. - Roger D. Gentry, age 69, died peacefully at his home on May 11, 2009, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born Feb. 27, 1940, in Niles to Alonzo "Tiny" and Mildred Gentry, he is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jacky Gentry; daughter and son-in-law, Marcia Gentry and William Byers; and granddaughter, Gentry Byers, age 10, all of West Lafayette, Ind.
Roger attended Western Michigan University and then spent his life serving and protecting others. He began a career in law enforcement as an officer with the Kalamazoo City Police Department in 1961. He joined the Michigan State Police in 1966 serving at the Warren Post from 1966 to 1968 and the Paw Paw Post until his retirement in 1991. He then served as a Federal Marshall for the 6th District court in Kalamazoo, for 12 years, retiring again in 2004. In 2005 he and his wife moved to West Lafayette, Ind., to be near their daughter and her family.
Roger said if it was sharp or went bang he liked it. He especially enjoyed projects with his wife, travel with his daughter, time with granddaughter, adventures with his son-in-law, visits with friends, Purdue women's basketball, and staying busy in his shop. He told a great story and enjoyed people.
Friends may call on May 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. at his daughter's home, 4036 Farmstead Lane, West Lafayette, Ind. 47906. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the American Cancer Society and may be mailed to the family.
Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home in Brookston, Ind., is entrusted with his care.
Lawrence Wayne Sims
COLOMA - Lawrence Wayne Sims, 56, of Coloma went to be with his Lord Monday, May 11, 2009, at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo.
Larry, as he was known by all who knew him, was born July 18, 1952, in Watervliet, the son of Orvil and Sadie (Clayton) Sims, both of whom preceded him in passing. Also preceding him in passing was a sister, Barbara Hauch.
Larry was best known as the favorite bartender and cook at the Elite Bar in Watervliet and as a great pool player. Larry worked at APL Logistics and Imperial Printing, where he dedicated many years of loyal service. Larry's favorite hobbies were woodworking, cooking and most importantly, spending time with his family.
Larry is survived by his two children, Christy (Ricky) and Charles and their six children, all of Coloma. He is also survived by the love of his life, Laurie and Katie Davis of Coloma; siblings, William (Kathy) Sims and Ronnie (Cathy) Sims, both of Alabama, Rodger (Linda) Sims of Dowagiac and Patricia (Jerry) Winfield of Arizona; as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. The service to honor his memory will commence at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at the funeral home. Pastor Larry Nail of the New Life Christian Center, Coloma, will serve as officiant. Burial will follow the services at Fairview Memorial Cemetery, Watervliet. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Larry's name may be made to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Thomas L. Doyle
GALIEN - Thomas L. Doyle, 58, of Galien died Sunday, May 10, 2009.
Tom was born Feb. 19, 1951, in Niles, to Lee F. and Mary (Olack) Doyle. He graduated from Galien High School and spent his entire life in Galien. Tom could always be seen at the many social and school events that his children were involved in, at one time being a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts. He also served his community for many years as a member of the school board. Tom was a member of the Sons of the American Legion in Galien. His greatest joy was his children and his two granddaughters.
Survivors include his wife, Lesta; children, Jim, Tom, Kip of Galien, Briana of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Alison and Kimberli; mother, Mary Doyle of Bridgman; sisters, Judy (William) Koltay and Susan Doyle of Chicago, Margaret (Mitchell) Gearhart of Tampa, Fla., Shelia (Joseph) Van den Driessche of Niles and Lisa (Fred) Schaller of Bridgman; brothers, Patrick Doyle of Grand Valley, Idaho, and John (Kay) Doyle of Battle Creek; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father; daughter, Amanda, and by his brothers, Michael and James.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, at Pobocik Funeral Home, Three Oaks, Mich., with Mr. Charles McKelvy as celebrant. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Galien Alternative Education, P.O. Box 248, Galien, Mich. 49113.
Frank Markovich
GRAND JUNCTION - Frank Markovich, age 85, of Grand Junction passed away Sunday, May 10, 2009, at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo.
The family will meet friends on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bangor Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home with a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Church with Fr. John Peter celebrant. Interment will follow in Monks Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to Sacred Heart Church. www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com.
Frank was born Sept. 16, 1923, in Priles, Croatia, the son of Frank and Barica Markovich. On June 9, 1946, he married Mary Tomsic and they moved to the Grand Junction area in 1954, where he was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, and worked for Du Wel in Bangor for many years. He enjoyed gardening, spending time with his family and playing cards.
Surviving are his four children, John (Dorothy) of Grand Junction, Steve (Iva) of Breedsville, Mary (Archie) Privett of South Haven, Marko (Sue) Markovich of Knoxville, Tenn.; 16 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; son, Frank Jr.; and two grandsons.
Vester Leola Sparks
BATTLE CREEK - Vester Leola Sparks, 80, of Battle Creek and formerly of Chicago, died May 4, 2009, at Veteran Affairs Nursing Home in Battle Creek.
She was born Oct. 17, 1928, the daughter of Noble Harris and Cora Mae (Pennick) Sparks in Grand Tower, Ill., and spent her youth in Illinois. After high school graduation Vester enrolled in Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. After two years at SIU she enlisted in the U.S. Army and became a PFC in the Women's Army Corps (WACS). Much of her military training took place in San Antonio, Texas, and eventually she was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After her honorable discharge from the Army she returned to SIU and received both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in education which was always a dream of hers. Most the years Vester taught school were spent in the Chicago Public Schools from which she retired. After retiring, Vester made her home in Chicago, but eventually moved to Kalamazoo to be closer to her family.
She is survived by her brother, Elder Alonzo (Joyce) Sparks of Lawrence; daughter, Robin Searcy of Jackson, Tenn.; grandson, Curtis Searcy of Milwaukee; great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and friends.
A passionate hobby for Vester was her doll collection. Her love of airplanes encouraged her to learn to fly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and three sisters.
A graveside memorial service with honors will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, May 15, at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, with Pastor Elmer Hess officiating. The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home, Battle Creek.
