John Robert Lapham

December 24, 1927 - August 14, 2014

John R. Lapham John R. Lapham, age 86, of Marcellus, MI (Wakelee), passed away unexpectedly Thursday, August 14, 2014 at home. He was born December 24, 1927 in Cassopolis, MI, the youngest child of John W. and Alma B. (Johnson) Lapham. On August 26, 1951 in Cassopolis he married the love of his life, Joan Ayers who preceded him in death in 2005. John is survived by his children: Judy Flora of Parchment, MI, Shirley Jane Lapham of Converse, TX, Jeanne (Kenny) Warren of Vandalia, MI, Roy (Kay) Lapham of Marcellus, Jerry (Gloria Hamilton) Lapham of Holt, MI, John C. (Tammy) Lapham of Cassopolis, MI, and Laurie Bowers of Three Rivers, MI; one sister, Evelyn Brooks of Eau Claire; 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, two sisters, two brothers and two great-grandsons. John lived most of his life in the Cassopolis and Marcellus area In his early years, John competed in the Golden Gloves boxing network in South Bend, IN earning several awards. After settling down and starting a family, he began working at Sunstrand Heat Transfer in Dowagiac, MI from which he retired. John spent his retirement enjoying his family, especially his grandchildren all of who he was very proud. He enjoyed visiting with friends, playing the harmonica, building models, working outside and mowing his lawn. As an animated storyteller, John loved to make people laugh. Bold, hard-working, outgoing and funny, yet passionate about family and his love of God – John is a man never to be forgotten. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Wednesday, August 20, 2014 in the Mater-Ralston Funeral Home, Marcellus. Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Thursday, August 21, 2014 in the Funeral Home, Marcellus with Pastor John Hill officiating. Burial will follow in Little Fish Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be directed to the John Lapham Memorial Fund at Newberg Norton Bible Church. Online condolences may be left at www.materralstonfuneralhome.com