John L. Mason age 78 of Ensley Township, Sand Lake went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 20, 2020. John was born March 9, 1942 in Walker, MI the son of Orval and Ethel (Mapes) Mason. He served in the U.S. Navy and retired from Steelcase. John was an amateur and professional boxer and went on to coach amateur boxing for 40 years. He impacted hundreds of lives as a coach. He was true American Patriot and also enjoyed hobby farming. His faith in God and trusting Jesus Christ as his Savior was very important to him. Surviving are his wife, Carolyn; children, John (Shelly) Mason, Ron (Elizabeth) Mason, Brian (Lisa) Mason, Angela (Barry) Remlinger, Jennifer (Todd) Magoon; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother. Visitation and service was held Tuesday, November 24^th at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Arthur Barton from Harvest Baptist Church, Grant officiated. Interment North Ensley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Harvest Baptist Church.

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

By Lt. Courtney Prizer, Navy Office of Community Outreach

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – Modern attack submarines are the most technologically advanced and capable undersea war fighters in the world. Operating these highly complex submarines require sailors from the U.S. Navy’s submarine community, also known as the “Silent Service.” 

Petty Officer 3rd Class Brad Schultz, a 2016 Morley-Stanwood High School graduate and native of Morley, Michigan, works as a Navy electronics technician (submarine) serving aboard USS Chicago, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines, home ported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

Schultz credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Morley. 

“My hometown taught me how to cooperate well with others, which serves me well now,” said Schultz. 

As a Navy electronics technician (submarine), Schultz is responsible for maintaining communications and ensuring any messages are properly transmitted. 

Jobs are highly varied aboard the submarine. Approximately 130 sailors make up the submarine’s crew, doing everything from handling weapons to maintaining nuclear reactors. 

Attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. Their primary tactical advantage is stealth, operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time. 

Because of the demanding environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. Submariners are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy. Regardless of their specialty, everyone has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform. 

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Schultz is most proud of earning the Enlisted Submarine Warfare Specialist qualification. 

“I had to learn about every system on the boat,” said Schultz. 

Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Schultz is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy. 

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.” 

The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world’s population, many of the world’s largest and smallest economies, several of the world’s largest militaries, and many U.S. allies. 

The U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean. 

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Schultz and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving in the Navy means I get to meet a lot of interesting people and travel around the world,” added Schultz. 

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Jack C. Averill age, 86, of Cedar Springs, crossed over into Heaven Sunday, July 29, 2018 at his home. Jack was born November 20, 1931 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of John and Beatrice (Lewitt) Averill. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the Midway from 1950 – 1954. He worked for Kelvinator for 25 years and enjoyed woodworking, music and playing the piano and fishing. He was a very kind and friendly person who loved people and his family. Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Mary; children, Jeff Averill, Colleen Connolly, Michelle (Nace) Emmorey; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson; brother, Ray (Pat) Averill; sister, Patricia (Vince) Jeluso. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 grandchildren and 1 sister. Private family services will be held. Interment Coral Cemetery. Military honors by the U.S. Navy and the Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. 

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

Purple Heart Michigan built this ramp for William Gregones on Saturday, July 7. Courtesy photo.

Solon Fire and members of Purple Heart Homes. Courtesy photo.

By Judy Reed

Purple Heart Homes West Michigan Chapter and Team Depot made life easier for some of our veterans over the weekend.

On Saturday, July 7, the group met at the Cedarfield Community on 17 Mile Road, next to Meijer, to build their first Dale Beatty Memorial Ramp for U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran William Gregones. The also assisted three World War II veterans with cleaning up around their homes by trimming bushes, mowing the grass, cleaning out and raking flower beds, and power washing their homes.

According to spokesman Doug Pickel, they built the ramp to make it easier for Gregones to get in and out of his home. “That’s what Purple Heart Homes is all about, removing the barriers in their home to improve their quality of life,” explained Pickel.

While planning to build the ramp, he discovered through discussions with community manager Marilyn Doane that there were also three World War II veterans in the park: Tom Sharpe, Clarence Carlon, and Louis Milewski. 

“So I talked with Rolling Thunder Chapter 4 of Muskegon, as well as Combat Vets MC and Solon Township Fire and asked them for help with this random act of kindness for all four. The veterans were very happy for the company and hard work, but most of all the kindness and friendship of the whole day,” remarked Pickel.

Solon Township Fire posted about their experience helping with the project on their Facebook page. “It was a great experience that we were glad to be involved with in our community. Thanks to everyone who was a part of today’s experience,” they wrote.

The ramp was built in memory of Dale Beatty, a founder of Purple Heart Homes and a veteran. Courtesy photo.

The ramp was built in memory of Dale Beatty, one of the founders of Purple Heart Homes who passed away unexpectedly on February 12. “Dale always had a huge heart for our veterans, being a double amputee from the US Army himself, and one of my good friends. So we’re doing these wheelchair ramps in his honor, something he always wanted to do,” explained Pickel.

After the work was done, they held an ice cream social for everyone, and had a special cake for one of the veterans and his wife, Tom and Shirley Sharp, who celebrated their 64^th anniversary July 10.

To follow what they are doing, like their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PHHWM/.

Mitchell E. Potes age 67 of Grand Rapids, passed away Monday, September 18, 2017 at his home. He was born May 6, 1950 in Rockford, Michigan to Benjamin W. & Alice (Teesdale) Potes. He entered into the U.S. Navy after graduation and served for six years. He worked and managed several restaurants in Rockford. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (David) Elwood and granddaughter, Emma; sisters, Thelma (Marlin) Christensen, Sheryl (Bob) Harvey; brothers, John (Debbie) Potes, Rick (Sara) Potes; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his twin sons, Ronald and Donald and brother, Benjamin Potes. Cremation has taken place. The family held private services.

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

Jeffrey L. Shick 61 of Sand Lake, died Monday, August 7, 2017 at Mercy Health – St. Mary’s, Grand Rapids. Jeff was born September 21, 1955 in Muskegon, Michigan the son of William and Carol (Durkin) Shick. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving as a SeaBee. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and playing cribbage with his father. He was a very kind and generous person who loved his family and grandchildren. Surviving are his children, Ryan Shick, Nyha (Antonio) French; grandchildren, Lezzette, Aubrie, Olivia, Ethan and Natalie; parents, William & Carol Shick; brothers, Mike (Cindy) Shick, Pat (Sue) Shick; sisters, Shannon (Mike) Silva, Wendy (Brian) Bradley; 10 nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, September 16 from 1-5 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Sand Lake. Memorial contributions may be made to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Grand Rapids.

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

Arthur Emory (Pete) Campbell, age 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Pete proudly served his country while in the U.S. Navy. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Joyce; children, Denise & Jim Lockridge, Gary & Linda Campbell, Todd & Jody Campbell, Kevin & Teresa Campbell, Julie & Bill Jackomino, Lee & Becky Campbell; 31 grandchildren; many great and great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Paul & Linda, Ted; sisters, Linda Misner, Judy Laso; several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Plainfield Christian Church with Rev. Bruce Wilson Officiating. Military honors under the Auspices of the Kent County Honor Guard. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Plainfield Christian Church.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Corey

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Wyscaver, Navy Office of Community Outreach  

LEMOORE, Calif. – A Greenville High School graduate and Greenville, Mich. native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CSFWP). Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Corey works as an intelligence specialist and operates out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, California. Corey is responsible for updating and maintaining personnel security clearances as well as making sure that the command is adhering to physical security requirements.

“As an intelligence specialist I enjoy the knowledge that comes with my job,” Corey said. “There are so many different types of intelligence that I’m always learning new things and expanding on the knowledge I’ve already learned,” Corey said.

“Lemoore has been home to the Navy’s west coast strike fighter community since 1980, when strike fighter squadron VFA-125 was the first squadron established to train Navy and Marine Corps aviators in the F/A-18 Hornet,” said Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, Commander, Naval Air Forces. The strike fighter wing, headquartered at NAS Lemoore, ensures that each squadron is fully combat-ready to conduct carrier-based, all-weather, attack, fighter and support missions for the Pacific Fleet.

“I like the opportunities that the command provides for professional growth,” Corey said. “The command has been very helpful with assisting in my desire to apply for an officer program.”

With the CSFWP consisting of more than 20 squadrons, highly specialized jobs range from training new aviators to maintaining airframes and engines, to handling and flying aircraft.  “Hard work is important,” Corey said. “I’ve done work that I’ve loved and I’ve done jobs that I didn’t enjoy so much. I’ve learned to push through those mental barriers to ensure mission accomplishment. I feel like there isn’t anything that I could face in the civilian world that the Navy hasn’t prepared me for.”

Christine Merlington, of Sand Lake, recently returned from a week-long visit to her son Robert Burmeister, who is in the U.S. Navy and stationed on the U.S.S. Antietam in Yokosuka, Japan.

Christine is standing in front of the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura, Kanagawa prefecture.

Thanks for taking us with you, Christine!

Are you going on vacation? Take the Post with you and snap some photos. Then send them to us with some info to news@cedarspringspost.com or mail them to Post travels, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. We will be looking for yours!

Lawrence K. Cook (Larry), age 69, of Sand Lake, passed away on Thursday July 28, 2016 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital surrounded by family. The son of Allen & Dorothy (Walker) Cook, he was born March 10, 1947 in Kanab, Utah. A proud U.S. Navy veteran of Vietnam, Larry served aboard the U.S.S. Galveston. After 30 years, Larry retired form Burke Porter Machinery as a mechanical engineer. Larry was a private pilot, as well as a member of the Air Corps Association and EAA. He was a member at the Cedar Springs American Legion Post 287. Larry was also a fan of Bob Seger and loved to tinker with anything old he might be able to fix. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Gary; Surviving are his wife of 32 years, Linda; daughters, Kimberly Cook, Jill Lindgren, Jody Lindgren, and Jayme Lindgren; grandson, Kyan Lindgren; and siblings, Ruth (Chuck) Pifer, Sam (Kathy) Cook and Ron (Linda) Cook. A committal service with full military honors will be at North Ensley Cemetery on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 11am with a luncheon at the Cedar Springs American Legion following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to David’s House Ministries, 2390 Banner St. SW, Wyoming. Honoring his wishes, cremation will take place.

Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.

Don M. Miles 88 of Pierson, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 26, 2015 at the Grand Rapids Home for the Veterans. Don was born May 14, 1927 in Montcalm Township, MI the son of John and Bessie (Thompson) Miles. Don began his naval career on Nov. 10, 1947 and attained the rank of Machinist Mate Chief Petty Officer prior to his retirement on Nov. 7, 1968. He served during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Following his naval career he worked at Wolverine Worldwide for 20 years as a machinist. He was a member of the Cedar Springs American Legion. He had been an active member of the Cedar Springs Free Methodist Church (The Springs) where he was head usher for over 30 years. Don served Boy Scout Troop 222 of Cedar Springs for over 37 years, many of them as scoutmaster. Surviving are his wife Dawn, whom he married in 2000; children, Valerie (Howard) Mathewson, David (Elaine) Miles, Joseph (Mary Ann) Miles, Gloria (Kevin) Kizewski; seven grandchildren, Adam Clouse, Alan Clouse, C.J. Miles, Mikayla Mathewson, Kyle Stephens, Caleb Kizewski, Bryce Kizewski; two great grandchildren, Hunter and Cierra; sisters, Gertrude Coalter, Katherine (Reuben) Hoxsie, Patricia (William) Newman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean in 1996; five brothers and one sister, Buddy, Sam, Bill, Walter, Norman, and Agnes Telder. The family will greet friends Tuesday from 9:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am at The Springs Church, 88 Grant St., Cedar Springs. Pastors Jennings Johnson and Wayne Cash officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Military honors by the U.S. Navy.

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

E. Ray Gordon, 89, of Cedar Springs, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 6, 2015. E. Ray Gordon was born on January 17, 1926 in Sand Lake, Michigan, the son of Fay and Cora Gordon. After graduating valedictorian from Cedar Springs High School he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He then married his high school sweetheart, Janet Gunnell on December 29, 1945. He went on to graduate from the University of Michigan with a degree in civil engineering. He was a founding partner in WBDC, Inc. He was a past president of the Exchange Club of Grand Rapids and a past officer of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. He had been a scout master for Boy Scout Troop #222. Ray enjoyed fishing, golfing, traveling and attending Cedar Springs School athletic events. He was a member of the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church and the Cedar Springs School Board for 29 years. Surviving are his children, Susie (Ken) Parker, Doug Gordon, Pam (Tim) Covell, Joel Gordon; 16 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; brother, Murry (Eva) Gordon; brothers and sisters-in-law, Cliff Snyder, Fred (Carollee) Gunnell, John (Mayda) Gunnell, Nancy (Ed) Bremmer, Shirley (Charlie) Gumina, Cam (John) Teusink, Maxine Gordon, Suzanne Gordon; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet (Gunnell) Gordon; son, Tom Gordon; brothers, Ken Gordon, Don Gordon, Fay Gordon; sister, Lillian Snyder; brother-in-law, Tom Gunnell; sisters-in-law, Helen Gordon and Lorraine Gordon. The family received friends Monday, Nov. 9 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service was held Tuesday 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church, Cedar Springs. Pastor Steve Lindeman officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main St., Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

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