Obituaries 6-19-08

Rodney Joseph Minto, 61 of Davison, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2008 at his home with his family by his side after a hard fought battle with cancer.

Rodney was born in Flint, MI on September 20, 1946, son of Joyce Minto (Harlan) and the late Oren Minto and grew up on Coldwater Rd. in Richfield Center. He spent his early years working closely with his family to build the Davison Country Club which he eventually presided over as President of Minto Brothers after the retirement of his father, Oren. Rod played several sports in school including football, baseball, and basketball in addition to playing trombone in the Davison High School marching band. He went on to attend Michigan State University graduating in 1968. Rod proudly served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the U. S. Army stationed in Washington D.C. and assigned to the Old Guard, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment where he was charged with protecting the nation’s capitol, performed official ceremonies, and conducted memorial services for U.S. dignitaries. He then served one tour in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. Rodney was an active member of the American Legion Post #267 Color Guard.

As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed spending time at Higgins Lake or in the woods of the Upper Peninsula at his family’s hunting shack. He had a private pilotís license and enjoyed flying with his father. Both were members of the Davison Flying Club.

Rod is survived by his wife, Lisa; mother, Joyce Minto; daughter, Laurie (Matt) Daunt; son, Ryan Minto; step-children, Amy Thompson and Alissa (Martin) Bocks; grandchildren, Madeline, Lucas, and Charles Daunt, Anna and Sara Thompson, Caitlin and Emma Bocks; many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Roger; son, Bryan; and father, Oren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post #267 Color Guard or St. Mark Lutheran Church.

Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, June 17 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 5073 Daly Blvd., Flint. Pastor Gary L. Beck officiated. Burial, with military honors, followed at the Davison Cemetery

Arrangements entrusted to Allen Funeral Home.
 

Samuel C. Ellis, 81, of Davison, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at Genesys Regional Medical Center.

Samuel was born in Churchill, Tennessee on December 7, 1926, the son of Robert T. and Elsie (Calhoun) Ellis. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a Mason and a Shriner. He was a member of Flint Baptist Temple and was an avid gardener.

Surviving are wife, Genievie Ellis of Davison; sons, Darrell (Brenda) of Burton and Gary (Bea) of Davison; grandchildren, Monte (Jeff), Shawn (Kathy), Brandon (Tiffany), Joshua (Heather), Zechariah and Cooper (Holly); 7 great-grandchildren; brother, J.W. Ellis and Lillian Curtis of Tennessee; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents; brother, Robert; sisters, Hazel, Bill, Mattie and Ida; granddaughter, Autumn.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children.

Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 A.M. on Thursday until the time of the service.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at Flint Baptist Temple, 1430 East Bristol Road, Burton. Pastor Glenn Tatterson, Pastor James Combs, Sr. and Pastor James Combs, Jr. will be officiating. Burial in Flint Memorial Park with a military graveside service under the auspices of VFW Post #822 Honor Guard.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Genesys 2 North.

Your condolences may be shared with the family at www.swartzfuneralhomeinc.com