Obituaries

JAMES THOMPSON

 James Thompson, 88, of Riverside, died on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph.

Services celebrating his life were held on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017 at the Davidson Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in Coloma. Burial took place at North Shore Memory Gardens. The family is being helped by the Davidson Chapel of Florin Funeral Service, Coloma. Please share memories, messages or photos at www.florin.net.

Jim was born on Nov. 19, 1928 in Manila, AR to Alfred and Lusettie Thompson He married Helen Wilson and together they have celebrated 66 years of marriage. Jim retired 1991 from Industrial Rubber Co. after 41 years where he worked in maintenance.  Following retirement he drove autos for LaValley.  Jim enjoyed fishing and hunting and loved to sing.  He also loved animals.

Jim’s family includes his wife, Helen; his children, James Thompson of St. Joseph, Linda Oles of Eau Claire and Theresa Pecoraro of Benton Harbor; his sister, Evelyn Kimbrough of St. Joseph; his four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

DEWARD “DEWEY” LITTLE

 Deward “Dewey” Little, 91, of Benton Harbor, died on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at his home.

Services celebrating his life were held on Monday, January 23 at the Davidson Chapel of Florin Funeral Service, Coloma. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery in Watervliet Township. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Please share memories, messages or photos at www.florin.net.

Dewey was born in Arkansas on Jan. 13, 1926 to William and Iva (Crouch) Little. He proudly served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army. He married Gwendolyn White in August, 1990 and together they have celebrated 26 years of marriage. Dewey retired in 1986 after over 40 years of employment at Whirlpool as a die handler. He was a volunteer chaplain at Lakeland Hospital.

He was also a big fan of the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers.  Dewey especially enjoyed playing his guitar and keyboard and singing Gospel music. He was a homebody and liked to build things.

His family includes his wife, Gwen; his children, Mark (Sharon) Little of Watervliet, Dennis (Jackie) Little of Coldwater, and Michael (Patti) Little of Lakeland, FL; his step-children, Joe (Tina) Martin of St. Joseph and Saundra (Anthony) Hoffman of St. Joseph; his 11 grandchildren; and his 29 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Syldiah, in 1990; his son Rodger in 2012; and all of his siblings.

RUSSELL O. CARLSON

 Russell Carlson, 90, of Coloma, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 18, 2017.  He passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife of nearly 65 years at his side.

Services with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 27 at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma, where visitation will be Thursday from 5-8 p.m.  Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Donations in memory of Russell may be made to Calvary Bible Church or Coloma Bible Church.  Those wishing to leave a message or share a memory with the family online may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.

Russ was born March 24, 1926 in Chicago to Oscar and Esther (Sandburg) Carlson.  When he was six, the family moved to Coloma where he grew up working hard on his family’s farm.  As a teenager, Russ accepted the Lord as his Savior and became active in the Watervliet Bible Center. After graduating from Coloma High School, he immediately entered the Army, serving in China, Burma, and India during WWII.  After the war he returned home and began his nearly 40 years in construction, working many years for Pearson Construction and in later years for Fiskars Construction Co.  As job superintendent, Russ was responsible for the construction of many major buildings such as Coloma High School, Michigan Fruit Canners, a number of Whirlpool buildings, and numerous area churches. His integrity and work ethic, along with his experience and expertise, were so highly respected that, even after his retirement, Russ was often called on for advice and assistance. Russ served his church in many different capacities, and he also served on the Coloma School Board.

Russ is survived by his wife Elaine, whom he married in 1952; three children, Donald (Rebecca) Carlson of Berrien Springs, Joel (Rebecca) Carlson of Jenison, MI, and Lori Carlson of Coloma.  He is also survived by four grandchildren; Brittany, Tyler, Rachel, and Sarah; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Helen Elston of Coloma.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Norman Carlson, and a sister, Lorraine DeFields.

Although a quiet and reserved man, Russ was known for his wit and humor.  He was a hard-worker, proud WWII vet, and a devoted family man, but above all, he loved the Lord Jesus Christ.

Death Notices

Vivian Mae Godgiben, 74, of Hartford died Jan. 18, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford.

Lester W. Skibbe, 82, of Dowagiac died Jan. 18, 2017. Connelly6 Chapel, Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

John R. Watkins Jr., 55, of Benton Harbor died Jan. 18, 2017 at home. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma.

Kevin C. Green, 48, of Hartford, formerly of Berrien Springs died Jan. 19, 2017 at home. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph.

Paul H. Styburski, 67, of Benton Harbor died Jan. 20, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph.

Edward Loami Miller, 82, died Jan. 18, 2017 at Hanson Hospice Center. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph.

Carl E. LaVanway Jr., 82, of Bridgman died Jan. 21, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph.

Nancy Tallman, 68, of Cheboygan, formerly of Hartford died Jan. 22, 2017 at home. Condolences or memories can be shared at www.stonefuneralhomeinc.com, Nordman-Christian Funeral Home, Cheboygan.

Andrew D. Henderson Jr., 57, of Coloma died Jan. 23, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Family Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.