Joseph Franklin Watson Sr. “Joe or Pappy”, age 82 of Cedar Springs, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at Metron of Cedar Springs. Joe was born September 6, 1934 in Lexington, Virginia, the son of James and Melinda (McCormick) Watson. Joe served 10 years in the United States Air Force and 10 years in the Michigan National Guard. During his time served, Joe played minor league baseball for the Air Force. Joe had a heart for coaching and umpiring for the Little, Pony and Silver Baseball Leagues. Joe was a founding member of Cedar Springs Amateur Athletic Association, member of the Roundtable Coffee Drinkers, a Keystone Kop, and was the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Red Flannel Parade. Joe considered his greatest life achievement being a grandparent to 14 grandchildren. Surviving are his beloved wife, Florence E. (Clark) Watson; children, Joseph Michael Grove of Virginia, JeDonne (Jerry) Morton, Joseph (Connie) Watson Jr., Kelli Watson, Charlie (Ladonna) Watson, Merri (Rich) Moore; grandchildren, Steven, Megan, Hollie, Nick, Jake, Jeff, Chris, Mandi, Charli Anne, Ashley, Ricky, Elizabeth, Erin and Carlee; great grandchild, Addison; brother-in-law, Virgil R. (Sandie) James; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen (Melvin) Cole; brother-in-law, J. Thomas Bundy; many nephews, nieces and cousins who he adored; and friends that he loved as family. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Mayhlon James “Tarzan” Watson, James Alexander Watson, Geraldine “Binky” Bundy, and Margarite “Moe” Sweeney; Nephew, James Alexander “Butch” Watson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles O. and Mary (Caverly) Clark; brother-in-law, Herman O. Clark; and sisters-in-law, Maxine M. (Clark) Manteufel and Alice J. (Clark) Haubenstricker. The family will receive friends Saturday at 10 a.m. until time of service at 11a.m. at Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Ave. N.E., Cedar Springs, Pastor Larry Young officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Springs Veterans Park Fund.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Michael A. Shellito, 19 of Cedar Springs, died Monday, June 12, 2017 at his home. Michael was born May 3, 1998 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was a graduate of New Beginnings High School and was a natural at all sports and horseback riding. He was very much loved and will be missed by his family. Surviving are his father and stepmother, Andrew (Bonnie) Shellito; mother, Bonnie Phillips; brother, Andrew Shellito; sisters, Nicole Hinton and Madison Shellito. The family will receive friends Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Friday 11:00 am. Pastor Larry Young officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to help the family with expenses.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Eugene Eben Finch Sr. age 79 of Cedar Springs passed away Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Campus. He was born August 13, 1937 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Eben and Bessie (Fairbrother) Finch. Eugene proudly served in the Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957. He also enjoyed driving around on his tractor working his land. He is survived by his children and grandchildren, Eugene (Lori) Finch Jr. (Anthony, Chelsea, and Dylan), Terry (Angela) Finch (Alexander and Andrew), Debbie (Troy) Ensminger (Kyle and Nicole), Rodney S. Finch; great-grandchildren Ryland, Mya, and Bryson; sister, Eileen (Val) Bennett. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Patricia Finch and Joyce Hegwood. The family met with friends on Wednesday at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. Pastor Larry Young, officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery with the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs