Earl Holcomb

Earl E. Holcomb, age 83, of Springfield, passed away unexpectedly and went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 2, 2016. He was born March 17, 1932 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of Earl L. and May (Hildebrandt) Holcomb. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1951, attended Michigan State University and then spent two years in the Army from 1952 to 1954 serving in Korea and Japan. Earl married his high school sweetheart Evelyn Rowley on September 11, 1954. He returned to MSU and graduated in 1958 with a B.A. in Secondary Education then returned to Battle Creek and taught Industrial Arts and Mechanical Drawing at Springfield High School. He coached high school football and wrestling, and junior high basketball, baseball and track, and taught Driver Education for many years. Earl received his Master’s in Industrial Education in 1962. During his teaching years he was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Earl retired in 1986 having taught for 28 years. Earl was an active member of Lakeview Baptist Church for 57 years, being a Sunday school teacher, singing in the choir and with the Praise Team, youth leader, bus driver and Deacon Emeritus. He was also highly involved as a counselor and volunteer at Lake Louise Baptist Camp, participating in Work Week and Senior Jamboree for over 20 years. He went on Mission trips for many years with the Youth Pastor, John Arnold and to Managua, Nicaragua in 2004 and 2006. Earl was inducted into the Lakeview High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006. He was a Scout Master, receiving the Silver Beaver Award; Indian Guide Leader and Little League coach, and was an active member of the Gideon’s International since 1981. Earl enjoyed working in his shop, bicycling, yard work, TV and free cell. He was a “hands on” grandpa and attended as many sports events and recitals as he could. He was a loving husband, faithful father, doting grandfather, a good neighbor and was respected by all. Surviving is his wife of 61 years, Evelyn and children: Brenda Holcomb of Novi, Brian (Anne) Holcomb of Grand Rapids, Barbara (Dan) Murphy of Ceresco and Bruce Holcomb of Springfield; four grandchildren: Lyndsey (Jonathan) Crofoot of Brooklyn, NY, Chelsea Crofoot of Novi, Kristyn Crofoot of Denver, CO and Devin Holcomb of Grand Rapids. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Lakeview Baptist Church with Pastor Adam Metzger and Pastor John Arnold officiating. Interment will follow at Reese Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Lakeview Baptist Church or Gideon’s International. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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