Harold W. "Huck" Hipshear
Jan. 9, 1923-April 8, 2009
Lifelong Niles resident, Harold W. "Huck" Hipshear, 86, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on West River road, Niles at 10:01 p.m. Wednesday, April 8.
Harold was born on January 9, 1923 in Niles to William F. and Frances (Siebert) Hipshear. He graduated from Niles High School in 1941, and entered the U.S. Army as a combat engineer in September 1941. He fought in World War II from the beaches of Normandy to Berlin. After the war he returned to Niles and married his childhood sweetheart, Jeanne Edna Clay in Detroit on April 6, 1946.
Completing his tool and die apprenticeship at South Bend Tool & Die, he had a 37 years career with them and Capitol Industries of South Bend. Many lasting friendships were made from his employment.
Harold was a lifelong member of Saint John's United Church of Christ, Niles, serving on the council and the Building and Grounds Committee. He was the church's unofficial greeter" for many years. An avid metal and woodworker, he used his skills to help many friends and family members over the years. He enjoyed working on his farm, hunting, fishing and travel. Most importantly, he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, who always made those he met feel like they were a part of the family.
Surviving family include Jeanne, his wife of 63 years, their children, Marcia (Edward) Wirth of Zeeland, MI, Tom Elliot of Zeeland, Fred (Janie) Hipshear of Dowagiac, MI, Mark (Linda) Hipshear of Elkhart, IN, and Diane (Daniel) Jackson of Bristow, VA. Mr. Hipshear's grandchildren include, Christopher Wirth, Jeff Joers, Brooke Calhoun (Dustin), Alex Hipshear, Adam Jackson, Allyson Jackson, Nora Hipshear, Ashlee Jackson, Rick Rivera, Lauren Hipshear and great-granddaughter, Caroline Calhoun. Other survivors are his brother, Wallace (Pat) Hipshear of Niles and a sister, Joan Savage of Escanaba, MI.
The funeral services for Harold W. Hipshear will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 14 in Saint John's United Church of Christ, Niles, with the Rev. Kyle Gardner of the church officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles with full military honors by American Legion Post 51.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday in the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.
Contributions in memory of Mr. Hipshear may be made to the church.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown.