Obits from Gladwin County, Michigan:
Lester Donald L.D. "Dee" Lennon, 78, of Gladwin, [Michigan] died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999 at the Munising Memorial Hospital.
Born May 19, 1921 in Gladwin, he was the son of Matthew and Mary Edna Breault Lennon. He worked for Buick Motors, retiring in 1982 and then moved back to Gladwin.
He was a life member of the Masonic Lodge #397 F&AM, a Shriner, and a member of the Eagles #3292. He was also a celebrated veteran of World War II, having receive numerous medals He was also an avid sports fan.
Surviving are two brothers, Leo of Muskegon, and Johnnie (Jack) and wife Tina of Gladwin; two sisters, Dorothy and husband Devere Wagar of Gladwin, and Rosilee Wagar of Midland; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by the following brothers and sisters, Steve Lennon, Cassie Searfoss, Alice Bennington, Thomas Lennon, Clarence Lennon, Francis Lennon, and Dr. Alfred Lennon.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Sisson Funeral Home in Gladwin with Rev. Robert Marshall officiating. Burial was in McClure Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Wagarville Community United Methodist Church.
Dessalee Thomas, 90, of Hope, died Tuesday, Dec. 7, 1999 at her home.
Born Oct. 6, 1909 in Saginaw, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Ada (Brownlee) Boots.
The former Dessalee Boots married William Arthur 'Art' Thomas, Dec. 15, 1927 in Hope. He preceded her in death Sept. 4, 1992. She had been a Hope resident most of her life.
In later years, she enjoyed knitting hats and giving them to the needy. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.
She is survived by six daughters, Bertha Kruger and Inez Thomas, both of Sanford, Jean and Louis David of West Branch, twins Della and Clifford Merrill of Bay City and Ella Brown of Gladwin, Arthela 'Tootie' and Lawrence Nelson of Midland; one brother, John Boots of Coleman; three sisters, Irene Koenders of Marshall, Louella Keeley and Clara Anger, both of Midland; 17 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Richard and Marion 'Pete'; two brothers, James and George Boots; one sister, Leah Chubb; and one granddaughter.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Friday from the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Chapel in Midland with Pastor Paul Schneider of Holy Scripture Lutheran Church officiating. Burial was in New Hope Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Holy Scripture Lutheran Church 'alms box' or MidMichigan Hospice.
Jason L. Arthur, 25, of Coleman, died Sunday, Dec. 12, 1999 in Isabella County.
Born Jan. 28, 1974 in Midland, he was the son of Richard and Connie (Balzer) Arthur.
Jason was the valedictorian of Coleman High School, graduating in 1992. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1996 with a degree in chemical engineering, and was in his third year at the Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine.
Surviving are his parents, Richard and Connie Arthur of Coleman; one brother, Rick of Coleman; two sisters, Tami and husband Brian Frederick of Hamilton, and Elizabeth Arthur of Coleman; grandparents, Clifford and Eva Arthur of Coleman and Mary Jane and William Butcher of Gladwin; one nephew, Alexander Frederick; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday) at the Coleman Wesleyan Church with Rev. Dave Cox officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Gladwin. Friends may call at the Coleman Wesleyan Church starting at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday). Memorials may be made to the family.
O'Laughlin Funeral Home in Coleman was in charge of the arrangements.
Maude G. Kennedy, 85, of Gladwin, died Thursday, Dec. 9, 1999 at Cheboygan Memorial Hospital.
Born March 4, 1914 in Nester Twp., Roscommon County, she was the daughter of John and Cara Good Smith.
Maude married Joseph Kennedy, July 4, 1935 in Nester Twp. He preceded her in death Dec. 9, 1977. She attended Eagleston School in Nester Twp. and was a lifetime resident there. She was also a member of the R.L.D.S. Church.
Surviving are one daughter, Rosalyn and husband Robert Shears of Clio; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one son, Raymond; one daughter, Moore; two brothers; and three sisters.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Sisson Funeral Home with Donn Pendleton officiating. Burial was in Butman Township Cemetery.
Robert S. Nelson, 74, of Beaverton, died Friday, Dec. 10, 1999 at MidMichigan Medical Center-Clare, after a short illness.
Born May 11, 1925 in Flint, he lived in Gladwin County since 1979 and previously lived in Niles, Ohio. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy.
Robert married Betty Lou Phillips, June 21, 1945 in Flint. She preceded him in death in 1998.
He worked as a foreman for General Motors in Flint, retiring July 1, 1979 after 33 years. he was a member of Albright Shores Eagles Aerie 3655 and VFW Post 7307.
He is survived by four sons, Timothy L. Sr., and Elbert H. and wife Jamette, all of Beaverton, Robert W. and wife Hilda of Topock, Ariz., and Richard E. and wife Cathy of Burton; two daughters, Beatrice E. and husband William Ritter of Otisville, and Jacklin K. Dennis; 17 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Margaret Junes.
Services will be held at 1 p.. Saturday at Hall Funeral Home, Beaverton Chapel, with Rev. Donald L. Roberts officiating. Visitation is 11:30 until the time of the service, Saturday, at the funeral home.
VFW Post 7303 held a military honors service.
Wayne T. Cooper, 79, of Gladwin, died Sunday, Dec. 12, 1999 at Valley Lutheran Hospital in Mesa, Ariz.
Born Feb. 9, 1920 in Harrison, he was the son of Wayne and Lailah Trumble Cooper.
He was a veteran of World War II, a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, a member of the fourth degree Knights of Columbus, Fr. Artman Council #5280 and was a past grand knight.
Wayne married Monica LaPointe, Aug. 24, 1946 in Ferndale. She preceded him in death Jan. 13, 1990. he then married Beatrice Hildebrandt, Nov. 24, 1990 in Gladwin.
Besides his wife he is survived by one son, Robert and wife Ceilia of Harmony, N.C.; one daughter, Debra and husband Richard Gibbard of Avoca; one brother, Maynard of Grand Rapids; two sisters, Lailah Hiscock of Warren and Margaret Warren of Centerline; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Jackie Berus.
A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Patrick Jankowiak officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Friends may call at the Sisson Funeral Home from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday. A prayer vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, immediately followed by a Rosary.
