Jeffrey Dee Bland went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 5, 2023, following an extended illness. Jeff was born on August 19, 1960, in Kalamazoo, the youngest child of Dorothea “Dottie” and Cecil Bland. Jeff grew up near Parchment before the family moved to their summer home at Pickerel Lake. He graduated from Vicksburg Community High School in 1978, where he was a member of the golf team and took an interest in building trades. He worked in masonry for many years and took classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College to help sharpen his skills. He was very proud of his work on the Cook Carillon Clock Tower at Grand Valley State University-Allendale campus. Eventually, he further utilized his love of working with his hands and performed apartment renovations for a local residential company. Jeff spent many summers living in his camper in Montague and enjoyed fishing on “The Big Lake” Michigan. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sandra (Swan) Bland; mother-in-law Doris Swan; his beloved pup, Britney; brothers Michael Bland, Robert (Carla) Bland and sister, Susan Bland (Frank Cook); nephews Robbie (Tracy) Bland, Kyle (Holly) Bland; niece Kelly (Bryan) Laven; and eight great nephews and nieces. Cremation has taken place through Avink McCowen & Secord Funeral Home of Schoolcraft. The family will hold a private burial at Boughton Cemetery in Pavilion Township. Memorial contributions may be directed to Centrica Care Navigators Hospice (formerly Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan) either online at http://www.centricacare.org or by mail to Centrica Care Navigators at 7100 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.
Cynthia A. Comer, Vicksburg, passed away peacefully at home on April 7, 2023, with her family by her side. Cindy was born on November 20, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Stanley and Sophia (Robinson) Franc. She was a graduate of Portage Northern High School and Western Michigan University. Cindy worked for the City of Kalamazoo for 26 years as a professional paralegal in the city attorney’s office. Cindy is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Jeff M. Comer; sons Matthew Comer and David (Megan) Comer; grandson Lincoln Comer; sisters Linda Swierbut, Colleen Ziegler, and Lisa (David) Combs; brother Daniel Franc; sister-in-law Elizabeth Woods; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend Sharon Montes. Cindy was preceded in death by her parents; mother and father-in-law, Lloyd and Joyce Comer; and a sister-in-law, Cheryl Sieli. Cindy was a proud member of the Kalamazoo Area Runners Association. She was an avid and accomplished runner winning numerous awards. She loved her family as dearly as they loved her. Donations may go to the Alzheimer’s Association or Centrica Care Navigators. Visit her page at langelands.com.
David Joseph Hines, 81, Mendon, passed away April 13, 2023. Dave was born July 30, 1941 to Frank and Lillian (Coby) Hines. Dave will forever be remembered as a kind, gentle person and an avid fisherman. While living in foster care, Dave had the most excellent caretaker: Ruth Bohm. For 50 years Ruth treated Dave as though he were her son and acted as a mother. Apart from having a large family, we remember Dave as someone who loved everyone. Dave was preceded in passing by his parents; sister, Mickie Houser; and brothers Edie Hines, Allen Hines, Herby Hines, and Jerry Hines. Left to cherish his loving memory is his sister, Evelyn Briggs of Mendon. Memorials made in David’s memory may be directed to the SPCA of Southwest Michigan or Centrica Care Hospice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. In accordance with the family’s wishes, a private committal service will be held and David will be laid to rest in Vicksburg Cemetery. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Richard “Dick” Masse, 80, passed away on March 31, 2023. Dick was born on December 31, 1942, to Ambrose and Edna Masse. He was born and raised in Elkhart, Indiana. He married Sara on June 6, 1964. They lived in married housing at Ferris State University. After completing pharmacy school, Dick worked at Judd Drugs in Elkhart. The couple settled in Vicksburg where Dick owned and ran Hill’s Pharmacy. In 1993, Dick sold the pharmacy and he and Sara opened Global Travel Agency in Kalamazoo. He was later an administrator at Howardsville Christian School in Marcellus. He served on the Vicksburg School Board and in the Rotary Club. He also coached Little League and volunteered at the Vicksburg car shows. Dick is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sara; children Jeff (Michelle) Masse and Joshua (Christy) Masse; daughter in-law Melissa Masse; and grandchildren Jason, Ethan and Kayla. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret (Joe) Morgan, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his son, Kevin Masse. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter.
Larry Plantier, “Big Lar”, our gentle giant, beloved father to Nick and Rob, grandfather to James and Thomas, brother to Kathy Houser, Christine Plantier, Yvonne DeHeide, Llyod Plantier, and good friend to many, passed away from this earth to a peaceful eternity on April 9, 2023. Larry was born March 29, 1952. Larry attended Vicksburg schools and then worked in the transportation industry as a truck driver for many local companies. It was a vocation he shared with his son, Nick. They traveled the country coast to coast and north to south. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, sisters, brother, many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends as well as his racing buddies. Following his wishes, cremation has taken place. No services are planned. The family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home in Schoolcraft.