06-11-2020 Tri-City Area Obituaries

WILLIAM (BILL) JACKSON William (Bill) Jackson, age 87, died at his home in Benton Harbor, on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.

Mr. Jackson was born in Rector, Clay County, Arkansas, in 1932, to Bernice and James Jackson. Survivors include his children: Deborah (Clinton) McVay of Watervliet, Diana (Clyde Stanage) Schmuhl of Benton Harbor, James (Toni) Jackson of Port Charlotte, FL, and Dena (Lou) Brule of Coloma; two sisters, Mildred Sexton of Watervliet and Denise (Mike) Crockett of Benton Harbor, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and friends and neighbors that were just like family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, James Merritt, the love of his life for 62 years, Josephine (Volpe), two sisters, Betty (Jackson) Merritt and Dorothy (Jackson) Baushke, and a brother, Thomas Jackson. Bill held many positions in the die casting industry from machine operator to a tool room supervisor during his time at New Products Corporation, Benton Harbor Malleable, and finally retiring from Cast-Matic Corporation. He was an avid bowler, golfer, and the owner and head coach of “Bill’s Bulldogs” and “The Jackson’s” softball teams. His lifelong best friend and Boy Scout troop-mate, the late Johnny Songer, held a special place in Bill’s heart. Bill continued to be a supporter of both; Boy and Girl Scouts movements through his children, grandchild, and even to his great-grandchildren having such fond memories of his own experiences. He was truly one of a kind man with a heart of gold. He will fondly be remembered and dearly missed by many family members, friends, and acquaintances, as he never met a stranger. The private funeral service was held at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet, followed by interment at North Shore Memory Gardens in Hagar Shores on Wednesday, June 10. Memorials may be sent in Bill’s memory to the Senior Nutrition Services, Inc. Meals on Wheels program at www.snsmeals.org/donate.

WILLIAM BRENNAN William Brennan, 84, of Coloma, passed away on June 5, 2020 at his home. Per Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Those wishing to leave a message or share a memory with the family online may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.

Bill was born November 20, 1935 in Chicago, Ill. to Frances Brennan and Marjorie Keim. He was a pipe fitter for Local 597 in Chicago, retiring in 1996. On December 7, 1957, he married Nancy McCormack. Together they resided in Alsip, Ill., later purchasing a summer home on Paw Paw Lake, eventually making that home their permanent residence. Bill enjoyed the lake and woodworking. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. Bill is survived by his son, Kirk (Tammy) Brennan of Good Year, Ariz.; his daughter, Jenny (Michael) Crews of Coloma; a sister, Sharon Ronzo of Lubbock, Texas; a brother, Phil “Skip” Mohr of Pensacola, Fla.; four grandchildren – Michelle (Corey Rasmussen) Brennan, Justin (Kristin) Bronkala, Michael (Lydia) Metz and Nick Metz. Also surviving is his great-granddaughter Aubrie Bronkala and beloved daughter-in-law Debby Brennan. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Nancy in 2012 and his son Keith in 1999.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE Celebration of Life is being held for Christopher Dasse on June 20, 2020

from 12 to 4 p.m. at his son Ken’s house, 3471 Boyer Rd., Coloma. Eulogy will be delivered at 12:30 p.m.

Death Notices Jeffrey A. Barker, 48, of Niles died June 8, 2020 at home. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma Helen Handy, 96, of Sodus died June 7, 2020 at Pine Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Stevensville. Hutchins Funeral Home, Watervliet Eugene Lewis Evans, 88, of Watervliet died June 7, 2020 at Hallmark Living, Benton Harbor. Purely Cremations – Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Benton Harbor Nancy (Zink) Armstrong, 76, of Benton Harbor died June 4, 2020. Purely Cremations – Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Benton Harbor Helene M. Hoffman, 71, of Sister Lakes died June 2, 2020 at home. Clark Chapel and Cremation Services, Dowagiac