May 17, 1927 – April 1, 2011

Something Beautiful Remains

The tide recedes but leaves behind

Bright seashells on the sand.

The sun goes down, but gentle

Warmth still lingers on the land.

The music stops, and yet it echoes

On in sweet refrains….

For every joy that passes,

Something beautiful remains.

Author Unknown

Dear Mike, Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa

In the course of our daily lives and when we least expect it, we still hear your voice and feel the warmth of your hug.

You left us all with wonderful memories; gifts of character, strength and humor and a treasure trove of your special brand of wisdom. Your are loved and missed so very much. TTFN

Alice

Kathy & Mike, Karen & Gary, Kevin & Carol and Kris & John

Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren

Merlin M. “Mike” Holton, 83 of Cedar Springs, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2011 at Metro Health Hospital. Mike was born May 17, 1927 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI the son of Rev. Peter and Vera Holton. In 1948, he founded Holton’s LP Gas Company and was a past president of the Michigan LP Gas Association. He was also a member of the National and Michigan Direct LP Gas Associations. Mike was a member of the Cedar Springs Rotary and Lions’ Clubs, and a former member of the Cedar Springs City Council and past President Pro-Tem. He was an avid private pilot, enjoyed sport fishing and loved his family. Mike was an enthusiastic supporter of the Cedar Springs Community.  He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Alice (Yost); children, Kathleen (Michael) Raudenbush of Rockford, Karen (Gary) Biegler of Atlanta, GA, Kevin (Carol) Holton of St. Cloud, MN, Kristine (John) Dulapa of Plymouth, MI; 11 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; brother, Earl (Donnalee) Holton of Grand Rapids; sisters, Lois Larson of Cedar Springs, Glenna Thompson of Naples, FL; sister-in-law, Lois Holton of Sault Ste Marie; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Richard; brothers, Paul Holton and Keith Holton; sister, Jean Spoors; brothers-in-law, Elwood Larson and Kenneth Thompson. The family will receive friends Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, www.blisswitterspike.com where services are to be held Tuesday at 11:00 am. Pastor Herb VanderBilt officiating. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Springs Educational Foundation or the Cedar Springs Library Building Fund. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, www.blisswitterspike.com