Wilford T. Marbut Obituary (1936 - 2015)

Wilford T. Marbut, 79, a longtime Benton Township resident, passed away at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph MI on Sept 24, 2015 of lung cancer. A Memorial Service will be held at Calvary Bible Church in Benton Harbor on Saturday, October 10, 2015. A Dessert Reception will begin at 2 p.m. to be followed by the Memorial Service at 3:30 p.m. Cremation will be handled by Hovens Funeral Home in Buchanan, MI. Wilford was born August 10,1936 in Minor Hill, Tennessee to Harvey and Ruth Roper Marbut. He graduated from Minor Hill High School in 1953 and attended David Lipscomb College in Nashville for a time. From 1960-1962, Wilford served in the United States Army at Fort Gordan, Georgia. He married Evelyn Foust in Benton Harbor in 1962. For many years he worked at Auto Specialties in St. Joseph, MI, later called Ausco in Benton Harbor, until his retirement in 2001. After retirement he enjoyed chauffeuring patients for Care A Van. He and Evelyn have owned a farm in Benton Township since 1967 and for many years farmed pears and sour cherries. Wilford is survived by his wife Evelyn Marbut, two children, Joanne Marbut (Ben Havens) of Ypsilanti; Darryl Marbut of Benton Harbor; three beloved grandchildren,Brittany, Hailey, and Payton Marbut of Hartford; former daughter-in-law Kippie Summerton of Hartford; longtime companion Joan Berndt of St. Joseph; sister-in-law Margaret Raney of Alabama; nephew David (Joyce) Kelley of Tennessee, He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Charles Raney; sister Eva Will Kelley; several infant siblings; stepbrothers James "Jimmy" Raney; and John "Johnny" Raney; sister-in-law Dorothy Raney Hunt; stepsisters Edith Burgess and Irene Tucker. The family would like to thank the Lakeland Homecare staff (Meadowbrook Rd) for the great care they gave Wilford at home. Thanks also to Lakeland Hospice and Lakeland Medical Oncology staff for all of their care and support in his last days. The family would like to thank the family and friends who prayed for us and who visited and prayed with Wilford and sent cards of encouragement and love. Wilford's favorite hobbies were reading, listening to country and gospel music, watching a Cubs game, and keeping up with friends and family via Facebook. Wilford was always willing to help family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Flowers may be sent to Calvary Bible Church in Benton Harbor. Memorial donations to a favorite charity of choice are also recommended.