Harry Melvin Larabee, 81, passed away Mar 20, 1999, in Muskegon. He was born at Pot Hole Corners, two miles south of Darragh in Kalkaska County on Jul 20, 1917, to Harry E. and Nina Armstrong Larabee.
Mr. Larabee was a much decorated WWII veteran, having served in the North Africa and Italy Campaigns.
He spent his free time enjoying hunting and fishing after his retirement from West Michigan Steel, Western Division, in Muskegon.
Besides Kalkaska County and Muskegon, he also lived in Fremont.
On Mar 13, 1938, in Bowling Green, OH, he was united in marriage to Lois Joan Darke, who preceded him in death on Jun 17, 1990.
Surviving are daughters Carol Sue (Edward) Frens of Fremont, Patsy Rosema, Pearl (James) Robertson, Lois Dorman, and Polly (Greg) Martin, all of Muskegon and Susan Witmer of Spring Lake, NC; brothers Cleo D (Bethel) Larabee of Kalkaska, Max E (Beulah) Larabee of Brighton, and Rex A (Annabelle) Larabee of Muskegon; sisters Leeta Martin, Beatrice (Raymond) Patterson, Vivian (Murray) Turnipseed, and Nova (Donald E) Darke, all of Kalkaska; 18 grandchildren; and many great grandchildren.
Also left to mourn his passing are wife Betty; stepsons Larry (Patti) Mock and Terry (Donna) Mock; and stepdaughters Christina (Jay) Kirchner and Judy Bushmen, all of Muskegon.
Services were held at Excelsior Church of Christ; Rev. Richard Whitehead Jr officiated. Interment will be at a later date in Excelsior Township Cemetery.
