03-14-2019 Tri-City Obituaries

CLARENCE C. GUNN Clarence C. Gunn, 95, of Watervliet, passed away at The Willows in St. Joseph on Sunday, March 3, 2019. Clarence was born on December 11, 1923, to the late Harry and Marvel (Brayton) Gunn in Watervliet, Michigan.

He proudly served his country by joining the United States Navy. After he served his tour he returned home and married the former Gloria M. Plasko, on November 8, 1947. To that union five children were born. Clarence retired after working for thirty years as a machinist and welder at Whirlpool. In his free time he enjoyed playing the piano at the local senior center. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Gloria; and his sons, John and Gregory. Clarence is survived by his son, James (Julie) Gunn of Watervliet; daughters, Patricia (David) Harris of Benton Harbor, and Sara (Sheldon) Oien of Wilsonville, Oregon; daughter-in-law, Diane Gunn, twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at the Central Assembly of God Church, in Coloma. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.

JOAN LOUISE DEAM Joan Louise Deam, 86, of Bradenton, FL and formerly of Watervliet, entered into heaven on March 8, 2019 while at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center in Bradenton. Joan was born on Oct. 4, 1932 in Detroit to George and Sarah Tillman. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Gene and Robert; and her sister, Shirley Harner. Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 65 years, Robert, and her daughter, Deborah Deam of Sarasota, FL.

Joan married her husband, Robert Deam, on Oct. 4, 1953 (her 21st birthday) and together they have celebrated 65 years of marriage. She and Bob attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. After college, Joan was the Departmental Secretary for the Laundry Group Engineering Dept. at Whirlpool for many years. She and her husband were involved with many Christian groups in the area including Youth For Christ, Grace Christian School, Child Evangelism Fellowship and Calvary Bible Church. For many years, Joan and her husband Bob performed comic readings and skits at parties, church banquets and other special occasions. Joan was blessed with a happy, full life in striving to please the Lord and bring glory to His name. A service celebrating her life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 22, at the Watervliet Free Methodist Church. Burial will follow in North Shore Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends and relatives from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, at the Davidson Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in Coloma. Please share messages, memories or photos at www.florin.net.

In memory of Cindy Johnson

3/13/72 – 3/18/18

“Let this be a loving reminder that someone is missing today, someone our hearts still hold on to, as we travel along life’s way. Someone who made life so special for all those who gather here. Someone who won’t be forgotten but cherished year to year. And now as we pause to remember, let us all fondly recall, how dearly each of us loved her and oh how she loved us all.” Your loving family

Death Notices James “Jim” L. Edgell, 90, formerly of Coloma died March 4, 2019 at The Arbors at Lakewood in Springfield MO. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph Eugene Karl Pasek, 72, of Watervliet died Feb. 24, 2019 at home. Purely Cremations – Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremations Services, Benton Harbor Boyd M. Umphrey, 89, of Clermont FL, former area resident died Feb. 18, 2019. Grissom Funeral Home, Kissimmee FL Albert R. Steffens, 85, of Kalamazoo, formerly of Watervliet died March 9, 2019 at Vineyard Assisted Living in Kalamazoo. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Coloma Shirley Jean Brooks, 67, of Covert died March 10, 2019 at home. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Coloma