Obituaries
Henry E. Mire Jr.
Henry Ervin Mire Jr., age 67, of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 4, 2021, at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor. Henry was born May 14, 1954, in Lansing, the son of Henry and Anna Mae (Lance) Mire. Henry was a farm boy at heart. At a young age he enjoyed his time spent working with his family on their dairy farm. Henry had a passion for cattle and prided himself on their record keeping, nutrition, and comfort. Henry also worked for Wohlert Corporation in Lansing for many years. He enjoyed harness horse racing and playing softball. Henry faithfully served his country in the United States Army.
Henry is survived by his siblings, Jerry (Jackie) Mire of Potterville, Connie (David) Berkimer of Nashville, Max (Sheila) Mire of Onondaga, Harlow (Tammy) Mire of Eaton Rapids; sister-in-law, Anita Mire of Eaton Rapids; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Elias J. Mire, P. Joe Mire of Hastings, and Penny (Steve) Oberlin of Eaton Rapids.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 12:45 p.m. at the Markham Cemetery in Delhi Township. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Henry’s memory to the Eaton Rapids FFA.
To view Henry’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
Harold D. Becker
Harold Duane Becker, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away peacefully surrounded by his lifelong friends and family on July 9, 2020, at the age of 85. Harold was born on June 24, 1935, in Lansing, Mich., the son of George and Mary (King) Becker. He was raised in Eaton Rapids but attended school in Olivet until he left to help his family and work on the farm. Harold proudly served in the United State Army from 1956 to 1958. He worked for Oldsmobile as a forklift operator for 25 years retiring in 1979. Harold enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and loved vacationing to Arizona where he spent many winters with his wife, Gladys. He was also very active at the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center in Eaton Rapids where he enjoyed playing cards, listening to the live music, and socializing with friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Gladys; daughters, Cheryl Shook, Kathy Leikhem; son, Garry Becker and his parents.
Surviving are his children, Nancy Becker, Mike Becker; grandchildren, Sharla (James) Barr, Kristen Pardo, John McCarthy, Adam Becker, Paul Riner, Michelle Quick; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Larry (Beverly) Becker; sister-in-law, Marcella Becker; good friends, Bob (Connie) Bolyard, Ron (Connie) Hoag, Chris Hoffman and numerous extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the First Congregational Church in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund in memory of Harold. To share memories or condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Michael W. Lyon
Michael Wayne Lyon, of Eaton Rapids, passed away June 3, 2021, at the age of 56. Michael was born in Eaton Rapids, October 25, 1964, the son of Jerry and Janice Lyon. He was a 1983 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Michael was a member of the Michigan Milk Production Association, the Dairy Herd Improvement Association and Farm Bureau. He devoted his life to his dairy farm working from graduation till the day the Lord called him home. Michael won many awards for being the top production herd in Eaton and Barry County.
Michael is survived by his parents; brothers, Eric Lyon of Springfield, Mo., David Lyon of Mason, Russell (Shelley) Lyon of Mason; his beloved dogs Harley and Willey.
Funeral services took place on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center, 8601 Houston Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or to the donor’s choice of charity. To place online condolences, please visit millsfuneral.com.
Robert Dale Milbourn
Robert “Bob” Dale Milbourn, age 84, of Republic, Missouri, formerly of Michigan, died May 30, 2021. The family is in the care of Meadors Funeral Home (meadorsfuneralhome.com).
Murray Marsh
Murray “Mule” Marsh died saving puppies from a burning building. Well, maybe not. We all know how much he loved telling stories. Saying goodbye to a man like Murray is hard because he was larger than life. He was a presence in more ways than one. Physically, you couldn’t miss him. His shoulders alone cleared the way in many crowds. Many of you may have seen more of him than you wished to at the dinner table but as he would say “if you don’t like it, don’t look.” His style was one of a kind. Yes, he was a physical legend, but his personality shone even brighter. Murray was an honest, kindhearted, hardworking, generous man who was also a little stubborn sometimes – okay, all the time. He was someone you trusted that you could call on when you needed a lift or a laugh. His humor was unbridled, and he often told jokes at your expense and we loved it. He’d often steal your milk when you weren’t looking or shift the car into neutral from the passenger seat just to see the look on your face when you noticed what he’d done.
He was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, and a devoted friend. He was a retired welder for General Motors, an Army veteran, a township official, a champion weightlifter, and a very proud farmer. He was a simple man. He travelled the world but always found home to be his favorite place. He took great pride in caring for the people and land around him and he was never without a four-legged buddy by his side. He taught us so much about life and when we look to the future without him, we will find ourselves asking, “what would Murray do?”
With Murray you knew exactly where you stood because he did not waste his time. When he loved you, he really loved you, and you knew it. Murray leaves behind countless individuals whose lives will not be the same without him, including his wife of nearly 60 years, Betty; his daughters, Terri (Dean) Hanton, Jerri (Jeff) Blust, and Kelli (Col. Mike) Shreves; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his brother, Morris (Joan) Marsh; and many very close friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Garry and Jackie Marsh. We will miss him every day but will remember him whenever we smell the scent of fresh-mowed grass or enjoy some butter pecan ice cream.
Join us in honoring the life of Murray “Mule” Marsh on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at 2 p.m. at 8495 Bridge Highway, Dimondale. For your comfort, please bring your own chairs. “Murray casual” dress is required. A sweatshirt with cut off sleeves is optional. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Murray’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.