Obituaries
Leona Lucille Barker
Leona Lucille Barker of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 11, 2019, at the age of 78. Leona was born in Eaton Rapids on October 27, 1941, the daughter of J.E. and Estina (Bunker) Disbrow. She was a bus driver for the Eaton Rapids Public School system and, after 21 years of service, she was able to enjoy retirement. Leona loved to cook, work on word-search puzzles and watch soap operas, but her greatest love was in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Janice (Dan) Lambrix of Muskegon, Everett (Vivian) Hillard of Eaton Rapids, William Hillard of Flint; stepchildren, John (Sandy) Barker of Holt, Joe Barker of Lansing, Tom (Phyllis) Barker of DeWitt, Francy Onley of Florida; 14 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Leona was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Barker in 2013; son, Robert Hillard; brother, Ellsworth (Marge) Disbrow; and sister, Viola Blaine.
Funeral services were held December 16, 2019, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids with Pastor Jim Riley officiating. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Visit the website at millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Lawrence Jerry Scarbro
Lawrence Jerry Scarbro of Eaton Rapids passed away on Monday, December 16, 2019, at the age of 80. Lawrence was born on October 30, 1939, in Burnwell, WV. He graduated from Clear Fork High School, class of 1958, and went on to proudly serve as a member of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was discharged early to return home to help raise his younger siblings after the untimely death of his father. Lawrence worked for several years in the coal mines of West Virginia before moving to Michigan in the early 1970s to take a job with Oldsmobile. He resided in Eaton Rapids, where he bought a piece of property and did a little farming and raising of livestock. Lawrence came from a very humble upbringing, which made him extremely resourceful. He never saw an item he couldn’t reuse or repurpose. Although he had a tough and rugged outward appearance, he was a gentle, kind and generous man who would give anything he could to help someone in need. Lawrence could often be found spending time with his friends at the “Doll House” or the VFW Post 6132 sipping on a glass of his favorite drink, Wild Turkey. In his later years, Lawrence proudly accepted his role as a father and dedicated his life to his daughter Morgan.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Allen Scarbro.
Surviving Lawrence are his wife of 20 years, Debbie (Morgan) Scarbro; daughter, Morgan Scarbro; step-children, Jasmine (Andy) Emerick, Jeff (Melissa) Cripe, Jeremiah (Sherri Lamoureux) Cripe; grandchildren, Harper and Maevie Emerick, Brandon Cripe, J.J., Noah, Hazel and Justice Cripe; brothers, Franklin (Jackie) Scarbro, Clarence (Shirley) Scarbro, Leon Scarbro, Wilson Scarbro; sisters, Joyce Scarbro, Faye Scarbro, Susan Mooney, Mary Frances and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral services were scheduled to be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Morgan’s HUGS in memory of Lawrence. To share memories or leave condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Gladys L. Byers
Gladys L. Byers, age 100 years and 7 months, died at 2:20 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2019. According to her wishes, there will be no service. The family wishes to thank Dr. Marl and staff, Eaton Community Palliative Care, and all of her friends at Sugar Mill Apartments, especially Ginger, Karen and Janet. Thank you from her children and grandchildren.
Earl C. Cady Jr.
Earl C. Cady Jr., an unforgettable man and leader with a strong Type A personality, died December 6, 2019, at the age of 98. He was born June 20, 1921, in Benton Township to Earl C. and Gertrude (Whitaker) Cady. A graduate of Potterville High School, he went on to Michigan State University. He earned his degree and became a teacher and coach in Potterville. Continuing his education, he moved into the position of superintendent at Potterville schools, then principal at Waverly schools, and lastly as superintendent at Saranac schools until his retirement.
On December 9, 1943, Earl entered the Army and married Alberta Whitney two days after enlisting. Serving during World War II, Earl was part of the 88th Blue Devil Division in Italy and earned a Bronze Star. When he was discharged from active duty as a captain in 1946, Earl joined the Army National Guard and served until 1981, retiring as a lieutenant colonel and provost marshal for the State of Michigan.
As a young man, Earl was a quarter-mile track champion, earning the state record in 1939. He ran track at MSU while earning his degree in education. Through his life he enjoyed coin collecting, golf and the “Pedro Club” where he played cards with his army buddies.
Earl is survived by his wife of almost 76 years, Alberta; sons, Jeff, Kip (Ruth), and Colin Cady; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A spring memorial service and interment at Benton Township Cemetery will be planned. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Earl on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Clyde B. Ray
Clyde B. Ray, age 100, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019, at his home. He was born November 11, 1919, in Blanchard, MI. Clyde grew up on the family farm in rural Montcalm County. He graduated from high school in Blanchard in 1937. He lived in the thumb for a brief time in his teens with his brother and his wife. Soon after graduating from high school, he went to live with the local county agent and his family. During this time, he attended Arenac County Normal School to obtain his teaching certificate. After receiving his certificate, he enrolled at Michigan State College. It was there that he would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree and later his master’s degree. While he was attending Michigan State College, he met a charming young lady by the name of Violet Nelson. During Clyde’s time at Michigan State College, he was also enrolled in ROTC. After his time there, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. Before being sent overseas, he returned home to Michigan for one final visit. While there, he and Violet decided to make a bus trip to the thumb so she could meet Clyde’s brother and sister-in-law. On the ride home, Violet asked Clyde if he would marry her before he was to be shipped out in just a few short weeks. He agreed, and the two were soon married at Violet’s family home in Brookfield Township. Clyde served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946 with the 28th Infantry in Germany and later with the 355th Engineer Battalion. He earned three Bronze Service Stars for his heroic service to his fellow man and country.
When he returned home from active duty, he began his teaching career in Vocational Agriculture at Hanover-Horton Schools and later Lake Odessa. Violet was also teaching home economics at the same time in Lake Odessa. When an opening for teachers came up in Charlotte, the couple jumped at the opportunity. Clyde would teach Vocational Agriculture for 28 years before retiring, and Violet taught on and off for 20 years. Clyde loved his students and the opportunity he had to be a positive influence in their lives.
Clyde is survived by his sons: Roger of Lansing, Nelson and (Rochelle) of Hillsdale; grandchildren: Adrian (Cassandra) Ray, Aimee (David) Cole, Aubrey (Louis) Harper, Anderson Emmillie (Jonah) Boot; great-grandchildren: Bailey Ray, Teagan Ray, Emmerson Ray, Merik Slovacek, Adaline Flint, and Viola Harper.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Violet in 2006; and nine siblings.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. Burial was scheduled to take place at Danby Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Clyde’s honor to the Disabled American Veterans or Charlotte FFA Scholarship Fund, 378 State St., Charlotte MI 48813.
To view Clyde’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.