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1930 - 2006
 Age: 76
LUCE, Lamar E.
Thelma Ave
Paw Paw
Formerly of Grand Rapids
Passed away Sunday afternoon, Dec. 3, 2006 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo after a brief illness. Lamar was born Nov. 6, 1930 in Auburn, IN the son of the late Floyd and Verda (Pendland) Luce. Lamar was a graduate of Grand Rapids South High School Class of 1949 where he was enrolled in ROTC. He continued his education and was a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.S. Degree in Police Administration. He was called into active duty as a 1st Lt. in the US Army as a Military Police Officer and upon completion of his active duty entered the US Army Reserves and later transferred to the Air Force Reserves retiring with the rank of Major. He continued his career as a police officer for the city of Wyoming, MI and then worked for the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission until his retirement. He was the current Commander of the American Legion, McGowan-Johnson Post # 68, Paw Paw, member of the Van Buren County F.O.P and was currently a liquor control inspector for Paw Paw Township. Most notably he and his wife Jean were Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for 26 yrs for the Village of Paw Paw. His hobby was antique trucks. On March 20, 1958 in Grand Rapids, Lamar was united in marriage to the former Donna Jean Limbacher who survives. Also surviving are step-sister, Dorothy Nichols of Grand Rapids; sister-in-law, Joyce Hanshue of Lowell, 4 nieces, Lisa (Robert) Smith of Fennville, DeeAnn (Randy) Wilcox of Alto, MI, Paula (Doug) Wilbur of Lowell and Kerry Pry of Fort Myers, FL; 3 nephews, Bart Griffeth, Curt Griffeth and Ross (Tami) Griffeth all of Lowell, MI; several cousins; special buddies, Callie and Inkie. He was preceded in death by a sister, Violet Cree and a step-brother, Ed Hoskins. Family will receive friends Friday 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Following will be a luncheon at the American Legion Hall, Paw Paw. Interment to follow the luncheon in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI at 2:30 p.m. with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Maple City Veterans Memorial Park, Paw Paw. |
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There are currently 17 condolences.
Paula Griffeth
Wednesday November 6, 2013 at
8:14 PM
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Dear Uncle Gene, This morning, I guess Aunt Jean really wanted to spend your birthday with you. She found you today, Nov. 6th 2013 at 1am. We will always think of you both in wonderful light memories. Love Niece Paula
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Brian McCafferty
mccaffbe@michigan.gov
Tuesday March 6, 2007 at
5:52 PM
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I first met Lamar when I began my career with the MLCC enforcement division. He was a man of humour, ethics, and high integrity. He taught me many ideals that have served me well over the years. God Bless and rest well !
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Matt and Paula Doan
Monday December 11, 2006 at
12:35 PM
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Dear Jean-You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Knowing Lamar was a priviledge and we know he has gone on to a better place. He will be remembered for always having a smile on his face and something nice to say. He always had a way of brightening your day and he will be missed.
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Mike (Michael Patrick) Flynn
flynnms2@msn.com
Thursday December 7, 2006 at
5:35 PM
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I rememebr your humor and your courage well my friend. I know things are better for you now, but you'll be missed, -ya don't have to go out and 'hit the road' anymore. Take a break and see you soon (but not too soon).
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Pat Lynch
plynchrph@yahoo.com
Thursday December 7, 2006 at
12:30 PM
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Dear Jean, That old skallywag was a wonderful guy. I'll always remember him for his constant smile when he came into the store. I'm glad I got to see him one more time. I'm sorry for you and all of us who knew him.
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Bill & Bev Fletcher
Thursday December 7, 2006 at
9:48 AM
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Dear Family of Lamar,
We just heard of Lamar's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy!
Everyone that knew him is feeling a great loss. We'll never forget his jovial ol' self.
His friends at Allegan Co. Sheriff's Department...Bev & Bill
Fletcher
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Sue Griffiths (Webster)
sueat109@aol.com
Wednesday December 6, 2006 at
8:23 PM
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I worked with Lamar when I was first assigned to MSP Paw Paw in 1977. Lamar was always available to answer questions, help with LCC violations, no matter what time of day it was. I learned so much from him. Lamar was a true gentleman and I know he'll be missed.
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Louise (Brantingham) Thompson and Family
Wednesday December 6, 2006 at
1:33 PM
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Auntie Jean - our thoughts and prayers are with you. Like my brother, I'll always remember the "Howdy neighbor" next door. I'm sure that's the first thing Mom and Dad heard when he got to heaven! Whether he was there for me to check out a "spooky sound in the basement" - when I was 13 or when I was 50! - or just to see if he could lend a hand, he was always there to count on. He was a great neighbor and friend. God BLess, Louise and Family
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Lowell and Pat Wilds
patlow52@netzero.com
Wednesday December 6, 2006 at
12:36 PM
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I'm sure all of us who knew Lamar will miss him. He was always friendly and always had a smile.
We pray for support of the family. I was thankful to talk with his wife and with Lamar (although he could not respond) by phone on Saturday Dec. 2nd.
Lowell & Pat Wilds
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Richard Eggleston
Tuesday December 5, 2006 at
11:27 PM
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Dear Jean,
My heart goes out to you and to the family. Lamar was a great help to me and to others who worked with him. I know all of us from the Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids/ Gaylord Districts enjoyed working with Lamar. God bless you and the family. Richard, Jean, Joanna, Rebekah and Tim.
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George Fadel
Tuesday December 5, 2006 at
5:51 PM
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Knowing Lamar, and working with him was not only a pleasure, it was a privilege.
I will remember him and miss him.
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"Jack" Brantingham and family
john.r.brantingham@delphi.com
Tuesday December 5, 2006 at
1:08 PM
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Jean... our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you. The sound of "Ho Ho, neighbor" ringing between the houses will stay with me forever. He was a great American and an even greater neighbor and friend. God Bless.
John, Phyllis, Jenny, and JJ
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Tom Hagan
thagan@michigan.gov
Tuesday December 5, 2006 at
10:55 AM
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Jean,
My heart is breaking for you. We all loved Lamar so much. He was truly one of the finest people I have known. May God bless you during this time of sadness. If there is anything at all that I can do, please do not hesitate to ask.
With deepest sympathy,
Tom Hagan
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Dan Bragdon
Tuesday December 5, 2006 at
10:51 AM
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Lamar was a gentleman and a true professional. I had the privelage of working with him over a three year period. He will be sorely missed, especially I'm sure in his hometown of Paw Paw.
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Lissa Smith
lissasmith@msn.com
Tuesday December 5, 2006 at
8:56 AM
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Uncle Gene (My special Uncie) When I was five years old I realized I had the most wonderful uncle any kid could have - you gave me a real, honest to goodness police whistle. No kid had a real police whistle in my kindergarten class and twin boys whose names have long been forgotten brought me a bag of marshmellow peanuts just so they could touch and admire it. Later, I remember Aunt Jean and I driving to the bowels of the city trying to catch a glimpse of you working "vice" on Division Ave. We sat giggling, trying to think of what we would say if we actually saw you "undercover". My children remember you as the most jolly, jubilant Santa Claus - WOW, how many kids have their own "Uncle Santa" every year! You touched so many lives, always ready to help in some way, or if all else failed to tell a funny story that made everyone laugh so hard they forgot what they were unhappy about... You were respected, admired and thought well of by all those who knew you. I hope the Lord has a soft, cushy recliner there waiting for you - I don't think there was anything you enjoyed more than to snuggle up in a comfortable chair in your stocking feet and take a "snooze". I love ya Uncie!!
Lissa
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Patti ( Page ) Sawyer
Tuesday December 5, 2006 at
8:22 AM
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Dear Jean my thoughts and prayers are with you, so sorry for your loss.
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Don French
Monday December 4, 2006 at
11:22 PM
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Doris and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family..
Don
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