.
James Carl Whitford
James Carl Whitford, age 68, died on Saturday July 8, 2023, at his home in Eureka with his family by his side.
James, or Jim as he was most commonly known, was born September 29, 1954 in Carson City, MI to RG and Elaine (Kellogg) Whitford. He graduated from Fulton High school in 1972 and later earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Central Michigan University. He worked as a truck driver, farmer and eventually a history teacher before retiring in 2008. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia (Kirvan), in 1983 and together they raised their family on their farm in Eureka.
During his life Jim loved to be outside, especially when he was able to be with his Percheron horses. He had a unique love for the Percheron breed of draft horse as he was the secretary and treasurer for the Percheron Horse Association of Michigan and America. Often you could find him on his International Tractors as he drove them around. Tractors were another big passion in his life, especially the red ones, as he would go to the Oakley tractor show and the Mackinac Bridge tractor crossing for many years. Jim also loved to go out and hunt.
Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Pat, children; Nicole (Nate) Keast, Jodi Whitford, and Jennifer (Chuck) Whitford, grandchildren; Kayleigh (Tanner Miller) Keast, Harleigh Keast, Emaleigh Keast, Trent Keast, Landon Whitford and great granddaughter; Oakley Rae Miller, brothers; Mark (Leigh) Whitford, and Randy (Colleen) Whitford, and many other loving extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
A memorial service will be held on Friday August 11, 2023, at 12:00pm at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel 1500 Waterford Parkway, St Johns, MI 48879 with a time of gathering from 10:00am until the time of the service. After the service there will be a formal procession to North Star Cemetery for a graveside service and interment of ashes.
In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to be made to the Percheron Horse Association of America Education and Charitable Fund.
Walter Bertram Davis
Walter “Bert” Davis of Fountain Hills passed away June 5, 2023 at age 92. He was born on February 13, 1931 in St. Johns, Michigan and graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the class of 1948,
He is survived by his children Loren Davis, Nolan Davis (Linda), and Eric Davis; his step-children Terri Cook-Clark (Dan), Cynthia C. Rayen (Lee), and Michael D. Cook (Nimfa); ten grandchildren Jeremy, Jessica, Naomi, Jacob, Angela, Paul, Kevin, Alex, Lili, and Holly, and fourteen great-grandchildren Ella, Josie, Andrew, Elijah, Mia, Coral, Ruby, Peter, Elliot, Elleanor, Paul, Fiona, Alyssa, and Noah. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, DeLores “Dee” Davis; his daughter Leanna Basta (Kerry); his former wife, Thera Morine DiMaio; and his parents and sisters.
Bert joined the Air Force as on September 1, 1948 and was honorably discharged on July 31, 1952. He went on to graduate from the Northrop Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering. His love of aircraft continued with lifetime employment in the aviation industry with companies Teledyne Ryan and McDonnell Douglas. He was involved in the early development of helicopter vertical lift and his work included thirteen years as the Manager of Helicopter Systems Ordinance with McDonnell Douglas. He also had the exciting, liberating and joyful experience of owning and maintaining different small planes throughout his life. After he retired, he obtained a glider pilot’s license and then the motorized pilot license and bought a Piper Cherokee.
Bert was very active in the community assisting at the polls on Election Day, volunteering with the Dons of Arizona, and many other events in Fountain Hills.
His funeral service will be held at the Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary on Friday, July 21st at 10:00 a.m.
Joy Darlene Platte
Joy Darlene Platte, age 62, of Fowler, MI, passed away Thursday, July 6, 2023, with her husband at her side.
A Celebration of Joy’s Life will be held at the Fowler Conservation Club, 3580 S. Wright Road, Fowler, MI from 4:00-8:00 P.M. on Saturday, July 29, 2023. A Rosary will be prayed at 3:00 P.M. prior to the gathering followed by Military Honors being offered. Joy’s family suggests Aloha Casual Attire.
Joy was born in Wabash, IN on July 28, 1960, the daughter of James William and Emily Eleanor (Kirkpatrick) VanCamp. She graduated from Southwood High School, Wabash, IN with the class of 1978. On April 18, 1981 Joy married Mark C. Platte in Folkston, GA.
Joy worked for 21 years at MSU Office of the University Physician as an Office Supervisor. Prior to this she worked for four years at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Administration. Joy served her country in the U.S. Navy for eight years. Her Grandchildren, her many friends, reading, riding horses, swimming, taking care of house plants, and her love of dogs were a very important part of her life. Joy enjoyed the experience of living in Europe and various places in the United States, her favorite being Hawaii.
She is survived by her husband Mark Platte of Fowler, MI: son Brandon and Kate Platte of Fowler, MI; son Kirk and Danielle Platte of Kentwood, MI; eight grandchildren: Turner, Barrett, Milo, Cambell, Jack, Logan, Nolan, and Cora; sister Carol Sturgeon of Warren, OH; brother James and Kathy VanCamp of Fort Wayne, IN; brother William and Debbie VanCamp of Wabash, IN; brother Joel and Sue VanCamp of Fort Wayne, IN. Joy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law Logan Sturgeon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society, Lansing, Fowler Fire Department, and Hospice House of Mid- Michigan or a Charity of the Donor’s Choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes– Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.