Thomas Dean Dawson, of Niles
March 21, 1946 — Oct. 18, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:15 am Monday, October 22, 2018

March 21, 1946 — Oct. 18, 2018

Thomas Dean Dawson, 72, of Niles, died peacefully at 5:03 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, ending a long battle against cancer.

He was born on March 21, 1946, in Dowagiac, to Darwin E. and Myrtle L. (Lohroff) Dawson, and was graduated from Niles High School in 1964. In 1966, he joined the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam in Troop D of the 3-4 Cavalry 25th Infantry. His unit was highly decorated, including both the Meritorious Unit Citation and the Presidential Unit Citation, as well as recognition by the Republic of Vietnam. Tom was also a highly decorated soldier including the Air Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and a second Bronze Star award that included both heroism and valor. He was Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant, and Veteran of the Vietnam Era.

Thomas Dean Dawson

Back in Niles, Tom began a career in the electric utilities as a lineman, eventually moving up through the ranks to management. He was employed by the City of Niles Utilities for over 30 years.

Tom attended Summit Church in Niles, was a member of the American Legion Post #51 in Buchanan, and volunteered with the auxiliary units of several area police departments. He enjoyed golfing and bowling in area leagues, visiting the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, and hunting and fishing near Ludington, Michigan. He also enjoyed golfing as a winter resident of Lake Wales, Florida. At home, when not helping friends and neighbors with electrical problems, he could be found watching westerns on television, especially John Wayne, “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke.” But his greatest interest was his family.

On April 11, 1970, at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles he married the former Karen Sue Carpenter with whom he celebrated earlier this year the 48th anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Karen Dawson and their children, Gregory Allen (and Susan) Dawson of Niles and Stacie Elaine Dawson of Plymouth, Indiana; grandson Thomas Dunlap; Tom’s siblings, Anne (and Russell) Wychocki of Scottville, Michigan, Jean Perkins of Plainwell, Michigan, and Jim (and Linda) Dawson of Tipton, Indiana; many nieces and nephews; and a wonderful circle of great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Darwin and Myrtle Dawson and by Karen’s parents, Clark and Donna Carpenter.

The funeral service for Thomas Dawson will be at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, at the Summit Church, 1700 West River Road in Niles with the Rev. Daniel Miller of the church officiating. Committal services will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with the Full Military Honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 until 8 p.m. Monday Oct. 22 at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. Contributions in memory of Tom may be made to the Milano’s Cancer Fund, 215 North Seventeenth Street, Niles, MI 49120. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Margaret Elinor Coultas, of Niles
April 14, 1923-July 20, 2018

Margaret Elinor Coultas, 95, of Niles, passed away Friday, July 20, 2018, at West Woods of Niles

She was born on April 14, 1923, in South Bend, to the late Lloyd and Roberta Martin.

On March 7, 1942, she married Hosea Coultas.

Margaret is survived by her son, James (Sue) Coultas; daughter, Linda Wallace;  six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her parents Lloyd and Roberta; husband, Hosea; son, Alan Coultas; brothers, Kenneth Martin and Donald Martin.

Cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Burial for Margaret will be held at a later date by the family. Online condolences may be made at hovenfunerals.com.

Judith Hilligoss, of Niles
June 10, 1943-Oct. 16, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:37 am Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Judith Hilligoss, 73, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, at South Bend Hospice House. Arrangements are pending and entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

Brown Funeral Home: Published onlinehttps://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/1344/Judith-Hilligoss/obituary.html

Obituary of Judith Hilligoss

Judith K. Hilligoss, 73, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at South Bend Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on June 10, 1943 in Niles to the late Ray and Lucy M. (Bothwell) Kirk.

Judith graduated from Niles High School class of 1961. She worked for several years at Montgomery Wards and Sundance Studios. On November 27, 1987, Judith married Leroy Hilligoss at a ceremony in Niles. She enjoyed spending times with family, taking drives up to Lake Michigan, playing poker, watching golf, reading, knitting, and trying her luck at the slot machines.

She is survived by her husband, Leroy Hilligoss of Niles, two daughters, Kelly Watson of Niles and Cherie (John) Schaller of Niles, four step-daughters; Shelley (Scott) Hadley of Niles, Leeann Hilligoss of South Bend, Marilyn Peppers of Buchanan and Peggy (Brian) Paturalski of Orlando, Florida, two granddaughters, Samantha and Paxton Schaller, five step-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren and a brother, Dean (Francie) Kirk of Richland.

A time to celebrate the life of Judith Hilligoss will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 6:00 pm at Hope Community Church in Niles with a time of visitation beginning one hour prior.

Memorial contributions may be made in Judith's memory to Pet Refuge 4626 Burnett Dr. South Bend, IN 46614, or to Hospice Foundation https://donations.cfhcare.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=323

Judith lived a beautiful life; share your memories of her at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Walter Lee Biggs
March 2, 1938 — Sept. 7, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:42 am Monday, September 10, 2018

March 2, 1938 — Sept. 7, 2018

Walter Lee Biggs, 80, passed away at 8:20 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Walter was born on March 2, 1938, in Jonesboro, Arkansas to the late Walter Elis and Virginia (Meek) Biggs.

Walter Lee Biggs

Walter was married for more than 50 years to his first wife, Doris D. (Dunifin) Biggs before she passed away.

He was also preceded in death by sister, Joann (Bill) Hunter; and brother, Larry (Carole) Biggs. Walter is survived by his wife, Kathy Evans-Biggs, of Niles; sons, Walter Earl (Faith) Biggs, of Plant City, Florida, William John Biggs, of South Bend, and Bruce Alan Biggs, of Cheyenne, Wyoming; grandchildren, Jamie, Jeff, Kris, Toby, Michael, and Kristina; sisters, Barbara (Fred) Bailey, of Niles, and Valda Skinner, of Niles; and brother, Michael Biggs, of Niles.

Walter was a Factory Worker at Bendix for many years and retired from Gast in Benton Harbor.

He was an avid Ham Radio operator. He loved golf, traveling and spending time with family. Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018, in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. Niles, where family and friends may gather one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be made at halbritterwickens.com.

Albert W. Lee, of Niles
March 13, 1936 — Sept. 4, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:40 am Monday, September 10, 2018

Albert W. Lee, 82, of Niles, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018, at The Center for Hospice Care in South Bend, following a brief illness.

He was born on March 16, 1936, in Marquette, Michigan, to the late George J. and Neva (Knowles) Lee.

Albert W. Lee

After graduating high school, Albert joined the U.S. Navy, serving his country proudly for almost 25 years. He graduated from the University of Oregon and enjoyed a second career as an Oregon State Park Manager for twenty years.

He married Juanita Clark at a ceremony in Carson City, Nevada, and enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage.

An avid outdoorsman, Albert enjoyed hunting, fishing and time on the golf course. He also had many memories of bowling with family and friends. He was a member of the First Church of God in Niles and a member of the VFW Post 2673, in Cody, Wyoming, where he served as post chaplain for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Three brothers, Robert, George and Patrick Lee. Albert is survived by his wife, Juanita Lee, of Niles; children, Kelly (John) Collins and Rayna Wortham, of Wyoming; two grandchildren, William Lee and Veronica Brock, of Oregon.

Funeral services will be at First Church of God, in Niles, with Pastor Robert Jackson officiating, on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at noon with a time of visitation one hour prior.

Full Military Honors will be rendered by the U.S. Navy and the American Legion Post 51, Buchanan. Committal services will be private at Silverbrook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Albert’s memory to the VFW 2673, 808 12th Street, Cody, Wyoming 82414. Memories of Albert may be shared with his family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

Barbara A. (Evans) Reum
Nov. 23, 1936 — Sept. 12, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:19 am Friday, September 14, 2018

Nov. 23, 1936 — Sept. 12, 2018

Barbara A. (Evans) Reum, 81, passed away, peacefully after an extended illness, on Wednesday morning, Sept.12, 2018, in her home.

Barbara was born in Detroit on Nov. 23, 1936, to the late Louis V. and Beatrice G. (Geyer) Evans.

Barbara A. (Evans) Reum

Barbara was preceded in death by her grandson, Steven Garlanger, in 1989.

On Aug. 1, 1959, Barbara married Gordon W. Reum. He survives along with her daughter, Diane (Scott) Powers; grandchildren, Kyle G. (Courtney) Garlanger, Christopher Powers, Nicholas (Beth) Powers, and Chelsea (Scott) Buysse; sisters, Carol Kreitner and Vicki Evans; and brother, Louis V. Evans.

Barbara graduated from Niles High School in 1955. In her sophomore year of high school, she started dating Gordon. They were married a few years later and had been married for 59 years. She worked at Pawating Hospital and the Medical Center as a Lab Technician. She retired early to take care of her grandson, Steven, as he was ill. She enjoyed photography, drawing and treasure hunting at garage and estate sales.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Halbritter WIckens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St., Niles. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle Hospice at Home 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Condolences for the family may be made at halbritterwickens.com.