All Obituaries

Ethel Dell Johnson, age 85, of Cassopolis, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Saturday morning, November 21, 2020, in the comfort of her family’s presence. “Sister” as her family called her, was born April 15, 1935 in Winona, Mississippi, the fourth child and oldest girl of Joseph and Annie (Mattox) Glover, Sr.   At an early age she joined the Summerfield Missionary Baptist Church of Winona where she served as a faithful member.  Sister’s...

Michael Dennis James, age 76, of Elkhart, died peacefully Friday, November 20, 2020, just eight days after his 76th birthday. His life began November 12, 1944 in South Bend, Indiana, the youngest of five children born to the union of Vernell and Zeral James. Michael loved being around his family and friends.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He retired from Bayer in Elkhart. Michael will be greatly missed by family and friends.  He is survived by three sons, Steve (Sakiko)...

Allen Edward Backus, 67, of Three Oaks, died Thursday, November 19, 2020 in his home. He was born September 28, 1953 in Niles, Michigan the second child born to Melvin Sr. and Lois Backus.  He married Sandra Gilley May 18, 1974, from which their son Dustin “Dusty” Backus was born.     Allen lived his life to the fullest.  He cherished his granddaughters immensely.  He loved animals and had many over the years.  He had a quick wit and awesome...

Joseph Lee Emerson, Jr., age 60, of Cassopolis, died peacefully at home Wednesday morning, November 18, 2020 in the comfort of his family’s presence. His life began July 16, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois the third of seven children born to the union of Joseph and Mary Emerson, Sr.  He married Rachuel Lee Strieby September 13, 1997 in Elkhart, Indiana. Joseph loved his family.  He adored his father, Joseph, Sr., his wife and children, grandchildren and great grandchild.  He...

Richard Wallace Hayden, Jr., age 86, of Buchanan, died Wednesday, November 18, 2020. He was born June 24, 1934 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the oldest of four children of Richard and Sarah Hayden, Sr.  He married Audrey Fulton on December 26, 1958.  She survives. Richard was an avid outdoorsman and served as a Boy Scout leader for thirty years.  He was a registered hunter safety instructor for forty plus years who loved to repair and restore guns of all types. Richard and...

Larry Robert Davis, age 68, of Edwardsburg, died peacefully Thursday morning, November 12, 2020. His life began February 25, 1952 in Elkhart, Indiana, the youngest of four children born to Charles and Merle Davis.   Larry was a custodian for Edwardsburg Schools.                        Larry will be greatly missed by family and friends.  He is survived by two...

Chester Edward Leshman, 99, of Three Oaks, died Tuesday, November 10, 2020. He was born June 30, 1921 in Cicero, Illinois to William Henry and Celia Leshman.  He married Jean Catherine Siwicki June 8, 1940 in Cicero, Illinois.  She preceded him in death January 25, 2000.  He then married Charlotte Virginia Harradon Griner November 6, 2002 in LaPorte, Indiana.  She also preceded him in death September 28, 2019. Chester proudly served our country in the United States Army...

Joyce Lynne Pawlik, 69, of Lakeside, died peacefully Monday, November 9, 2020. She was born June 3, 1951 in Memphis, Tennessee, the oldest of four children born to Robert and Joyce Nimocks. She grew up in Forrest City, Arkansas and received a BA in Art History from Hollins College (now Hollins University) in Roanoke, Virginia. While at Hollins, Joyce Lynne studied abroad in Paris, cultivating a lifelong passion for French culture and language. She proceeded to earn an MBA from The Wharton...

Yvonne Teresa Lawson, age 89, of Cassopolis, departed this life peacefully early Sunday morning, November 8, 2020.               Her life began September 16, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois, one of thirteen children born to Joseph, Sr., and Beulah Broussard.  She married James Walter Lawson in 1953 in Buchanan, Michigan.  He preceded her in death in 2000.               Yvonne was...