Obituaries
Joseph. L. Russell
Joseph Lee Russell, 86, of Olivet, passed away Friday, January 25, 2019 at his residence. Joe was born on June 21, 1932 in Birmingham in his grandparents’ house to Irving and Mary (Plowfield) Russell. Growing up, he was called J. Lee but became Joe at work. His nieces and nephews still knew him as Uncle Jay.
Joe graduated from Olivet High School in 1950 and worked at Post until he entered the United States Army on October 14, 1952. He proudly served our country until his honorable discharge on October 13, 1954. Joe was an M.P. doing guard duty during classified atomic testing on Pacific atolls. He then returned to work at Post.
Joseph married Anita Shreve on September 30, 1955. He met and wooed her from his Harley Davidson, cruising downtown Marshall. In 1964, Joe and Anita, along with a group of friends, traveled by motorcycle to Alaska. They saw firsthand the damage from an earthquake and the majestic scenery. They shared 63 loving years together.
Joe worked in several positions before his four-year apprenticeship to become an electrician for Post Cereal Company in Battle Creek. He also became an elevator repairman and was later sent to Pennsylvania for training when operations became electronic. After 36 years, he retired in 1987. He was able to spend time with his daughter Judy, helping her and her husband, Steve Langridge modernize their milking operation before her untimely death in 1990.
Joseph enjoyed woodworking, cutting firewood, growing blueberries and strawberries and just being in the woods. He and Anita drove many miles in their motor home, visiting friends and family in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. They even went to the Rose Bowl Parade, although it rained that year and dad got separated from the group. Mom wouldn’t let the bus leave without him. When their first great-granddaughter was born, they gave up traveling so they could watch her grow. He continued riding his Harley until last summer, although mom began to say “No thanks!” He always drove an Allis Chalmers tractor and located and restored several for his sons and grandson.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Anita Russell of Olivet; children, Jan (Matthew Taylor) Russell of Olivet, Joe (Angela) Russell II of Olivet, John Russell of Olivet, and Joni (Will) White of Charlotte; grandchildren, Daniel (Angela Porter) Corralez, Justin Corralez, Joshua (Kelly) Russell, Jordan (Casey) Russell, and Zach Russell; four great-grandchildren, Audrey Russell, Amelia Russell, Kaius Russell, and Keion Adams; sisters, Marianna Wells, and Barbara (Richard) Gellasch.
He was preceded in death by parents, Irving and Mary Russell; daughter, Judy Langridge; sisters, Ruth Van Lieuw, Maxine Baker, and Audrey Rice; and brother, Willis Russell.
Funeral services were held at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Marshall Chapel on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Doug Hammond officiating. Joseph was laid to rest in Bosworth Cemetery following the services.
Please leave the family a personal message and sign the online guest book at kempffuneralhome.com.
James L. Baird
James L. Baird was born in Midland, Mich. on October 28, 1938 to George and Virginia (Chase) Baird who predeceased him in 1985 and 1998. He graduated with life-long friends from Caro High School before serving with the United States Marine Corps and attending Bay City (Delta) College. His 20 years with the Michigan State Police included assignments from Trooper in Grand Haven, L’Anse and Flint to ES Team (SWAT) to Detective First Lieutenant in the Criminal Investigation Division.
While in the MSP, Jim graduated from LCC and MSU, creating a Spartan fan who always supported the Alumni Association and Ralph Young Fund. He hunted and fished from Northern Labrador to Costa Rica while serving Eaton County in several positions; including chairman of the Planning Commission for 13 years. His private investigation company thrived due to the trusted efforts of several MSP retirees, and provided him with sufficient funds for considerable travel and entertaining friends on Anna Maria Island.
Jim leaves behind the love of his life, his wife, Jeanne; his children, Leanna, Dianna, and Joanna; step-daughters, Andrea and Kimberly; grandchildren, Jon Eric (Yo The Doof!), Madalyn, Gunnar, Kaitlyn, and Jacob; step-grandchildren, Tyler and Taylor.
He is predeceased by his son, Michael Baird.
He leaves this world with many friends, many laughs, not many things not done, and few regrets. Don’t cry because it’s over, laugh because it happened.
Two memorial services are planned. The first was held at Terra Ceia Manor in Bradenton, Fla., at noon on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. The second will be held at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, at 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warriors, Crosswalk Teen Center in Charlotte, or Eaton Community Palliative Care.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jim on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Dennis W. Watson
“Bro” Dennis W. Watson, 67, of Mulliken, passed away January 16, 2019. He was born April 30, 1951 in Gallipolis, Ohio, to Eugene and Texa (Bailey) Watson. Bro was a veteran of the Vietnam War and was given military honors at the Barker-Leik Funeral Home in Mulliken. A flag was presented to his wife. He was retired from the GM paint repair department after 30 years of service. Bro was a past President and original member of the Brothers of the Ring Motorcycle Club in Mulliken, and Co-Chairman of Motorcycle Clubs of Michigan. He loved hunting with his sons and friends, mushroom hunting, driving truck for Mike McCormack, and spending time up north in the snow with his long time friend Bill Priesman. His first love was his “Ole Lady,” his ‘77 dresser, “Harley.” Mostly he liked helping out anyone and everyone he could.
Bro is survived by his wife Kimber (McPeck) of Mulliken; three sons, Derek (Cynthia) Watson of Virginia, Caleb (Dacia) Watson of Mulliken, and Dustin (Andrea) Hatt of Grand Ledge; one step-daughter, Tiffany Macias (Watson); five grandchildren, Tanner Yanz, Brody Chesebro, Alison Hatt, Charlotte Watson and Myles Watson; two brothers, Darrell Watson of Lyons and Terry (Cherie) Bailey of Portland; one sister, Pam Admire of Mulliken; sister-in-law, Kari (Ed) Montgomery of Kalamazoo; plus nephews and nieces and a large family of MCM Brothers and Sisters.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.
“Until we meet again, Bro!”
Dereatha E. Barlond
Dereatha Eleanor Barlond, 92, of Marshall passed away January 27, 2019 at Maplewood of Marshall Assisted Living Facility. Dereatha was born on July 15, 1926 in Detroit to Albert and Sarah (Byrne) Hansen. She graduated from Olivet High School, and after working briefly at Michigan State University, Dereatha married Doug Barlond on February 1, 1947 in Charlotte. They had six children and shared 67 years together before Doug’s passing in May of 2014.
Dereatha was a farm wife who devoted her time to raising the children, gardening, and baking for her family. She was involved with Boy Scouts and 4-H in Lee Township. Dereatha also worked at Albion Public Library as a library assistant, retiring in 1991. Dereatha enjoyed sewing, cross-stitching, and crafting. She loved celebrating everyone’s birthdays and very much enjoyed her grandchildren. After retiring, she sang in the choir at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marshall and also enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers and Notre Dame football.
Dereatha is survived by her children, David (Donna) Barlond of Marshall, Bruce (Marty) Barlond of Dimondale, Fla., Brian (Regena) Barlond of Maryville, Ill., Teresa (Jeff) Fischer of The Plains, Ohio, Mark (Renee) Barlond of Marshall, and Laura Barlond-Maas of Olivet; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Sarah Hansen; and husband, Doug Barlond.
Visitation took place at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 Old US 27 North, Marshall Chapel on Friday, February 1, 2019, from 5 to 8 p.m., with family present to greet friends at that time. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 11 a.m. Dereatha will be laid to rest in Bosworth Cemetery following the service.
Memorial contributions are requested to the Albion Public Library.
Please leave the family a personal message and sign the online guest book at kempffuneralhome.com.
Eva M. Menendez
Eva M. Menendez died Tuesday, January 29, 2019. She was the beloved wife of the late Kenneth, dear mother of Diane McNeil (Thomas), Steven Menendez (Hope) and Mark Menendez (Melody), and dearest grandmother of eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Family will receive friends Sunday, February 3, 2019, from 1 to 4 p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Price Chapel), located at 3725 Rochester Road in Troy (between Big Beaver and Wattles. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 4, 2019, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Visitation begins at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Lab Research Only, 22512 Gateway Center Dr., Clarksburg, MD 20871 or Sensations Memory Care, 511 E. Shephard St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
View obituary and share memories at AJDesmond.com.