Hugh Ream, 91

Hugh Edward Ream, Jr., age 91, of Sturgis, Michigan passed away early Tuesday morning September 10, 2013 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.

He was born October 30, 1921 in Centreville, Michigan son of the late Hugh Edward and Myrtle (Saxman) Ream.

Hugh resided his whole life in the Sturgis, Centreville and White Pigeon area. He was first married to Cleo Grace Keller who preceded him in death. On March 2, 1974 he married Gwendolyn Mead in Sturgis. She died May 31, 2004.

He was a sheet metal fabricator by trade and had been employed by Casselman Heating and Plumbing in Sturgis.

Hugh was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII earning the rank of Seaman Second Class. While in the Navy he served aboard several vessels including the U.S.S. Yorktown with Torpedo Squadron Three.

He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, gardening, puttering around his home, crafts and woodworking.

He is survived by three daughters: Melanie (Robert) Boodt of White Pigeon, Betty Shoppell of Sturgis and Alice Grala of Sturgis; daughter-in-law: Sally Ream of Sturgis; four step-daughters: Shirley (Duwayne) Jordan of Sturgis, Judy (Jim) Liby of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Charlotte (Don) Burnau of Colon and Dawn (Jalal Alhussien) Pant of Sturgis; two step-sons: Richard (Cindy) Mead of Wayland and Victor (Debbie) Mead of White Pigeon; 14 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 22 great great grandchildren, 17 step-grandchildren and 37 step great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wives, one son: Roger Ream, two grandchildren, son-in-law: Larry Grala, four brothers: Lynn, Merle, Alvi and Jake Ream, step-daughter: Carol Womer and two step grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 P.M. Friday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-3284. Funeral services celebrating the life of Hugh Ream, Jr. will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Pastor Jim Liby will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at the Leonidas Cemetery in Leonidas. Full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Navy Honor Guard.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Ream’s memory consider the DAV, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.

The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.