Melvin E. Hurlbutt
Jan. 18, 1923-Aug. 3, 2004

Melvin E. Hurlbutt, 81, of LaSalle Avenue, Niles, Mich., died after a brief illness at 2:20 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3,  2004, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, Ind.

He was born Jan. 18, 1923, in Buchanan, Mich., to Ray B. and Freda M. (Schrumpf) Hurlbutt. He was a lifetime area resident. Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served five years aboard the U.S.S. Charleston, a patrol gun boat. Some of his service on the Charleston was with his brother Ray. Mel rose to the rank of gunner's mate first class by the end of the war.

In 1997 Mr. Hurlbutt was awarded a commemorative medal for "The 50th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War." This recognition was for the allied support of Russia during her fight for freedom against Nazi Germany. His citation was signed by then Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

Mr. Hurlbutt was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Niles. In addition to his World War II U.S. Navy service, he was a member of American Legion Post #26, Niles. Mel was a member of A.A.R.P. In addition to his love for family and friends, he enjoyed being a jack-of-all-trades and trying to master each one. In 1975 he retired from the Clark Equipment Company, Buchanan.

On May 1, 1945, in Niles, he married Eunice M. (Tuesley) Hurlbutt, who survives. Mel is also survived by two sons, Jerry (Linda) and Bruce (Isabella), both of Niles; three grandchildren; and by a brother, Ray Hurlbutt Jr. of Niles.

He was preceded in death by another brother, Burton.

Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, in the Wesley United Methodist Church, with Rev. Emmett Kadwell Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, with full military honors. The family will receive friends in the Halbritter Funeral Home on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Hurlbutt may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 302 Cedar St., Niles, MI 49120.

Aina Hunt
1954-Aug. 24, 2001

Aina Hunt, 47, of 2432 Westfield Drive, Niles, Mich., died at 9:25 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24, 2001, in her home of natural causes.

She was a homemaker. Besides keeping a loving home, she loved to cook and garden.

On Oct. 15, 1994, in Adamsville, Mich., she married Garry M. Hunt who survives, also surviving are a daughter, Jessica (Shawn) Low of Niles; three sisters, Erica Purviance of North Carolina, Ilga Tharp of Vandalia, Mich., Ilona Mayor of Elkhart, Ind.; two brothers, Karuis Pupols of Union, Mich., and Uris Pupols of Niles; and two granddaughters, Samantha and Danielle Low of Niles.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, in Pifer-SMITH Funeral Home, Niles, with Mr. Steve Steele officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Memorial contributions may be give to Hospice.

William "Max" Hunsberger
May 3, 1925-Feb. 23, 2005

William "Max" Hunsberger, 79, of Barron Lake Road, Niles, Michigan, died following a brief illness at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005, in Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Indiana.

Mr. Hunsberger was born May 3, 1925, in New Buffalo, Michigan, to Charles and Ruth E. (Noel) Hunsberger. He had lived in Niles for 50 years, coming from New Buffalo, Michigan. Max retired in 1982 after 32 years of service from Texaco, Inc., in Niles.

Max was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy. He loved spending time with his family. Max also loved being outdoors, gardening, woodcutting and deer hunting.

On Feb. 12, 1949, in Bangor, Michigan, he married Phyllis J. (Charles) Hunsberger, who survives. Also surviving are their children: two sons, William Hunsberger and Frank Hunsberger, both of Niles; and a daughter, Nancy Roberts of Niles; a niece, Wandalee Schut of Hudsonville, Michigan; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A brother, Donald Hunsberger, and three sisters, Betty Hunsberger, Marjorie Shermak and Vivian Fox, preceded Mr. Hunsberger in death.

The family of William "Max" Hunsberger will gather privately at Silverbrook Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

Arrangements were made by the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Memorials may be made to the Old Rugged Cross Foundation (make checks payable to Pokagon United Methodist Church or Old Rugged Cross Association), P.O. Box 484, Niles, MI 49120.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Joe P. Humphreys
April 17, 1958-Sept. 27, 1999

Joe P. Humphreys, 41, of 4511 E. River Road, Buchanan, died Monday, Sept. 27, 1999 in his home of natural cause. He was born April 17, 1958. Survivors include a daughter, Kimberly Jo Humphreys of Niles; his parents, Linda and Joe Humphreys of Buchanan; a brother, Bill “Bart” of Buchanan. Services will be at 11 a.m Thursday in St. Paul’s Lutheran church. There will be no visitation. Hoven Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Michael Humphrey 
Aug. 21, 1854*-Oct. 28, 1938

Michael Humphrey, 84, Resident of Niles 45 years, stricken,

Suffering from a lingering illness.

Michael Humphrey, a resident of Niles for 45 years, died Friday (Oct. 29, 1938) morning in the Berrien Center Hospital. He was 84 years old.

Mr. Humphrey entered the hospital Sunday when his condition became critical. He lived at 1233 South Fourteenth Street, Niles and prior to his illness had worked as a trucker.

Surviving is a nephew, William Humphrey, LaPorte.

Funeral services will be held at 3 o’clock Monday afternoon in the Price and Kiger Funeral Home with the Rev. A.R. Kuehn officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.Friends may call at the funeral home.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

*DOB/DOD from Michigan Death Certificate for MIKEL Humphrey

Mabel Humphrey
Jan. 1, 1899-Sept. 13, 1978

Mabel Humphrey (Davis), died Sept. 13, 1978 in Niles. She was born Jan. 1, 1899, in Stark co, Ind.

She married Charles H. Humphrey. Survivors include son, Charles R. and Thomas H.; stepson, Zehania Davis; brother, Hanley Davis; and sister, Velma Lein.

Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery. Swem Funeral Home, Buchanan, is handling information 

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown