Person Page - 5010

     His Social Security Number was 378-10-0178.³ Pleas Lacy Harvel was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.^2,7,5 He was born on June 15, 1885 at Claiborne Co., Tennessee.^3,8,4,7,5 He married Maggie Belle Hines, daughter of Michael Soule/Soles Hines and Sarah Frances "Fanny" Hancock, on April 2, 1903 at Lee Co., Virginia.^1,7,5,6 Pleas Lacy Harvel died on January 4, 1955 at Jackson, Jackson Co., Michigan, at age 69.⁵ He BUCHANAN, Jan. 5 - Funeral services will be held for Pleas L. Harvel, 69, of 504 North Portage street, Thursday at 2 p m. at the Swem funeral home. The Rev. Wesley Oldt, pastor of the First Methodist church, will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Ridge cemetery. Mr. Harvel, a retired machinist for the Clark Equipment company for over 30 years, was born in Tennessee, June 15, 1885, the son of Lacy and Sarah Harvel. His wife the former Maggie Hines, whom he married April 8, 1903, in Jonesville V., died July 6, 1948. Mr. Harvel, who had made his home with his son, James, of Jackson, Mich., for the past seven months, died at the home there early Tuesday morning. Surviving besides his son, James are another son, Chief Warrant Officer Ben Harvel, stationed in Germany; a daughter, Mrs. Carl Runyan, Va., nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. on January 5, 1955.⁷

     James Michael Harvel Sr. was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.^2,3 His Social Security Number was 379-12-7010.⁹ He was born on January 3, 1906 at Jonesville, Lee Co., Virginia.^9,3,4 He married Ruth Best on March 18, 1927 at South Bend, St. Joseph Co., Indiana.^3,5 James Michael Harvel Sr. died on December 9, 1961 at Jackson, Jackson Co., Michigan, at age 55.^9,3 He BUCHANAN. Dec. 11 - Funeral services for James M. Harvel, 55, of Jackson, a former Buchanan resident, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Swem funeral home, Buchanan. Mr. Harvel died Saturday in Foote Memorial hospital, Jackson. Mr. Harvel was born in Jonesville, Va., the son of the late Pleas and Maggie Harvel. The family came to Buchanan when Mr. Harvel was a child. He married Miss Ruth Best, of Buchanan, on March 18, 1927 in South Bend, Ind. Mr. Harvel had worked for the Clark Equipment Co., for 29 years at the time of his death. In 1949 he was transferred from the Buchanan plant to the Jackson plant. The Rev. Dale B. Ward, pastor of the Frist Methodist church of Buchanan will officiate at tomorrow's funeral services. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge cemetery. on December 11, 1961.³

     Ila Virginia Harvel Ila Virginia Runyan, 88, Feb. 1, 1911 - May 14, 1999. BUCHANAN - Ila Virginia Runyan, 88, of Buchanan, died Friday in Lakeland Medical Center, Berrien Center, of natural causes. Survivors include two daughters, Betty Couchman and Carlene Harroff, both of Buchanan; and a son, Jack Runyan of Buchanan. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. today in Hoven Funeral Home.³ Her Social Security Number was 383-28-7408.⁶ She was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.⁷ She was born on February 7, 1911 at Virginia.^1,6 As of August 29, 1927,her married name was Runyan.² She married Carl William Runyan on August 29, 1927 at South Bend, St. Joseph Co., Indiana.^4,5,2 Ila Virginia Harvel died on May 14, 1999 at Berrien Springs, Berrien Co., Michigan, at age 88.^6,3

     His Social Security Number was 379-28-3878.^3,8 Benjamin Hogan "Ben" Harvel was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.⁹ He was born on August 23, 1919 at Jonesville, Lee Co., Virginia.^3,10,8,9,4,5 He married Allison Loretta Gore in June, 1941 at New York, New York Co., New York.^11,5 Benjamin Hogan "Ben" Harvel died on January 26, 1971 at Frankfurt, Germany, at age 51.^3,10,9,5 He BUCHANAN - Benjamin H. Harvel, 51, formerly of Buchanan, died unexpectedly Tuesday in Germany where he was serving as a field officer with the American Red Cross. He was born Aug 23, 1919 in Jonesville, Va., and came to Buchanan with his parents when he was seven years old. A 1938 graduate of Buchanan High School, he en tered the Navy in 1939 serving until 1945 when he retired as a chief warrant officer. In 1946 he enlisted in the Army and was a master sergeant when he left the service in 1962 to take a post with the Red Cross. He served as a field officer in Vietnam for two years before he went to Germany three years ago. In June 1941 he married Allison Gore in New York City, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Patrick at home, and Michael with the Army in Vietnam; two daughters, Mrs. Diane Duering of Schoolcraft and Mrs. Linda Adams of San Antonio, Tex., a sister, Mrs. Carl Runyan of Buchanan and four grandchildren. Services have not been scheduled. on January 28, 1971.⁵

     His Social Security Number was 373-07-7873.⁷ Carl William Runyan was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.^3,5 He was born on June 19, 1908 at Watervliet, Berrien Co., Michigan.^4,7,5,6 He married Ila Virginia Harvel, daughter of Pleas Lacy Harvel and Maggie Belle Hines, on August 29, 1927 at South Bend, St. Joseph Co., Indiana.^1,2,5 Carl William Runyan died on July 4, 1981 at Niles, Berrien Co., Michigan, at age 73.^4,5 He BUCHANAN - Services for Carl Runyan, 73, of Rt. 4, who died at 8:55 p.m. Saturday in Pawating Hospital, Niles, will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Hoven Funeral Home. Rev. Ward Pierce, pastor of First Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. Friends may call from 3 to 9 p.m. today in the funeral home. He was bom on June 19, 1908, in Watervliet, and lived most of his life in Buchanan. On Aug. 29, 1927, in South Bend, he married Ila Harvel who survies. Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Randall (Betty) Couchman and Mrs. Carl (Carlene) Harroff, both of Buchanan; a son, Jack Runyan of Niles; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. He was a welder. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and of the First Methodist Church, Buchanan. He was a charter member of the Bertrand Fire Department and the Buchanan Moose Lodge. on July 6, 1981.⁵

     Her Social Security Number was 065-12-9770.^1,3 Allison Loretta Gore was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.^1,4 She was born on January 29, 1923 at Manhattan, New York Co., New York.^5,1,4,3 As of June, 1941,her married name was Harvel.² She married Benjamin Hogan "Ben" Harvel, son of Pleas Lacy Harvel and Maggie Belle Hines, in June, 1941 at New York, New York Co., New York.^1,2 Allison Loretta Gore died on August 5, 1976 at Lackland Air Force Base, Bexar Co., Texas, at age 53.^1,4

     Margaret Mary "Peggy" Harvel was buried at Antioch Cemetery, Tocoopola, Pontotoc Co., Mississippi.^1,3 Her married name was White.¹ She married Kermit W. White.¹ Margaret Mary "Peggy" Harvel was born on February 5, 1942 at Brooklyn, Kings Co., New York; Her gravestone and birth record have a birth year of 1941.^2,3 She died on September 4, 1968 at Precinct 2, Cherokee Co., Texas, at age 26; Died in an airplane crash.^1,3

     Kermit W. White was buried at Antioch Cemetery, Tocoopola, Pontotoc Co., Mississippi.¹ He married Margaret Mary "Peggy" Harvel, daughter of Benjamin Hogan "Ben" Harvel and Allison Loretta Gore.² Kermit W. White was born on April 6, 1939.¹ He died on September 4, 1968 at Precinct 2, Cherokee Co., Texas, at age 29; Died in an airplane crash.¹

     John Michael "Mike" Harvel was buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan.² He was born on March 7, 1950 at Queens, Queens Co., New York.^1,2 He died on October 15, 2015 at age 65.²

     Ruth Best was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.³ Her Social Security Number was 376-22-4606.⁴ She was born on October 28, 1909 at New Troy, Berrien Co., Michigan.^4,2 As of March 18, 1927,her married name was Harvel.¹ She married James Michael Harvel Sr., son of Pleas Lacy Harvel and Maggie Belle Hines, on March 18, 1927 at South Bend, St. Joseph Co., Indiana.^1,2 Ruth Best died on April 22, 1998 at Niles, Berrien Co., Michigan, at age 88.^4,2 She Ruth B. Harvel - Oct. 28, 1909 - April 22, 1998. Ruth B. Harvel, 88, of 15396 Cleveland Road, Galien, Mich., died at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, at the Lakeland Medical Center, Niles, Mich. Ruth was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church, Buchanan Moose Lodge and The Home Extension Club. She was a bus driver for Michigan Center, Michigan School System, and was a custodian there for 10 years. Ruth was born on Oct. 28, 1909, in New Troy, Mich., and had lived the past 30 years in Buchanan, Mich. In 1927, in Michigan, Ruth married James Michael Harvel, Sr., who preceded her in death. Ruth was also preceded in death by a sister, Marjorie Huebner; and by two brothers, Elvin and Robert Best. She is survived by two sons, James Michael Harvel, Jr., of Galien and Hubert Eugene Harvel of Buchanan; two sisters, Kathryn Raber of Buchanan and Barbara Albrecht of Niles; four brothers, Richard Best, Ralph Best and Albert Best, all of Buchanan, and David Best of Cassopolla, Mich; and by two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. on April 23, 1998.²

     James Michael Harvel Jr. was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.⁶ He was born on May 30, 1928 at Michigan.^6,7 He married Norma Frances Vernon on December 29, 1948 at Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.^3,8 James Michael Harvel Jr. died on June 12, 2011 at Berrien Springs, Berrien Co., Michigan, at age 83.^6,7,5 He BUCHANAN - James Michael Harvel Jr., 83, died Monday in Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Survivors include sons, John M. Harvel of Jacksonville, FL, and Jerry R. Harvel Sr. of Buchanan. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Hoven Funeral Home, where friends may call one hour before services. on June 14, 2011.⁵

     Her Social Security Number was 379-24-2188.⁴ Norma Frances Vernon was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.⁵ She was born on October 27, 1927 at Niles, Berrien Co., Michigan.^1,4,2 As of December 29, 1948,her married name was Harvel.¹ She married James Michael Harvel Jr., son of James Michael Harvel Sr. and Ruth Best, on December 29, 1948 at Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.^1,3 Norma Frances Vernon died on March 28, 2003 at Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan, at age 75.^4,3 She Norma F. Harvel, Nov. 27, 1927 – March 27, 2003. BUCHANAN — Norma F. Harvel, 75, of 611 Fourth St., died Thursday in her home of natural causes. Survivors include her husband, James M; two sons, John of Jacksonville, Fla., and Jerry of Texas; a sister, Roberta Vincent of Idaho; and two brothers, Bob Vernon of Edwardsburg and Don Vernon of Phoenix. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Hoven Funeral Home, where friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. on March 30, 2003.³

     Hubert Eugene Harvel was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.^2,6 His Social Security Number was 365-30-7847.¹ He was born on February 27, 1930 at Niles, Berrien Co., Michigan.^2,1,6 He married Joyce Lee Conery on March 8, 1968 at San Diego Co., California.³ Hubert Eugene Harvel and Joyce Lee Conery were divorced in November, 1973 at San Diego, San Diego Co., California.⁴ Hubert Eugene Harvel married Dessie Lucile Huntington on February 25, 1984 at Scurry Co., Texas.⁵ Hubert Eugene Harvel died on May 1, 1998 at Galien, Berrien Co., Michigan, at age 68.^2,1,6,8 He Hubert E. Harvel, Feb. 27, 1930 - May 1, 1998. GALIEN - Hubert Eugene Harvel, 68, of 15396 Cleveland Road, died Friday in his home. Survivors include his wife Bessie (should be Dessie); and a brother, James M. Jr. of Galien. Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday in Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, where friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday. on May 2, 1998.⁸

     Her Social Security Number was 571-50-0452.³ Joyce Lee Conery was born on December 10, 1935 at Iowa.^2,3 As of March 8, 1968,her married name was Harvel.⁴ She married Hubert Eugene Harvel, son of James Michael Harvel Sr. and Ruth Best, on March 8, 1968 at San Diego Co., California.⁴ Joyce Lee Conery and Hubert Eugene Harvel were divorced in November, 1973 at San Diego, San Diego Co., California.¹ Joyce Lee Conery died on October 16, 1984 at San Diego Co., California, at age 48.²

     Her Social Security Number was 450-26-2717.³ Dessie Lucile Huntington was buried at Terry County Memorial Cemetery, Brownfield, Terry Co., Texas.⁴ She was born on December 7, 1919 at Nimrod, Eastland Co., Texas.^3,2 As of February 25, 1984,her married name was Harvel.¹ She married Hubert Eugene Harvel, son of James Michael Harvel Sr. and Ruth Best, on February 25, 1984 at Scurry Co., Texas.¹ Dessie Lucile Huntington died on March 24, 2001 at Midland, Midland Co., Texas, at age 81.^3,4 She HARVEL, Dessie Lucile, 91, of Midland, formerly of Austin, died Saturday. Services 11 a.m. Monday, Ellis Funeral Home, Midland. Burial Terry County Cemetery, Brownfield. on March 25, 2001.⁴

     Betty Jean Runyan was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.^7,3 She was born on July 22, 1928 at Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.^2,7,8,3 As of March 29, 1947,her married name was Couchman.² She married Randall H. Couchman on March 29, 1947 at Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.^2,7,5,3,9 Betty Jean Runyan died on June 5, 2011 at Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan, at age 82.^7,8,3 She BUCHANAN - Betty Jean Couchman, 82, of Buchanan died at 2:13 p.m. Sunday, June 5, 2011, at her home of natural causes. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 9, at First United Methodist Church, Buchanan, with Pastor Rob McPherson officiating. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, June 9, at the First United Methodist Church, Buchanan. Mrs. Couchman was born July 22, 1928, in Buchanan and was a lifelong area resident. She was a well-known elementary teacher in Buchanan for more than 20 years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and a former board member of the Buchanan Area Senior Center. Mrs. Couchman was a recipient of the Redbud Award for Lifetime Achievement. On March 29, 1947, in Buchanan she married Randall H. Couchman. He preceded her in death on March 20, 1997. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Ila Runyan; a son, Thomas Couchman; and a daughter, Patricia Wagner. Survivors include two sons, Steven (Shirley) Couchman and Bob (Maggie) Couchman, both of Niles; daughter, Catherine Ackerman of Buchanan; daughter-in-law, Mary Couchman of Galveston, Texas; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Jack (Marion) Runyan of Buchanan; and a sister, Carlene Jo Harroff of Buchanan. on June 7, 2011.³

     Randall H. Couchman was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.^1,3 His Social Security Number was 372-28-1645.⁶ He was born on August 1, 1925 at Lansing, Ingham Co., Michigan.^7,6,1,3,4,5 He married Betty Jean Runyan, daughter of Carl William Runyan and Ila Virginia Harvel, on March 29, 1947 at Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.^7,1,8,2,3 Randall H. Couchman died on March 20, 1997 at St. Joseph, Berrien Co., Michigan, at age 71.^6,1,2,3 He Randall H. Couchman, 71, of 908 Terre Coupe Street, Buchanan, Mich., died at 9:05 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph, Mich. Randall was born Aug. 1, 1925, in Lansing, Mich., and had lived in Buchanan for 57 years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and a member of Buchanan American Legion Post 51. Randall had been on the Buchanan Police Department-Berrien County Sheriff Department, and was retired from the Buchanan Public School System. On March 29, 1947, in Buchanan, Randall married Betty Runyon, who survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Patricia Wagner of Battle Creek, Mich., and Catherine Ackerman of Muskegon, Mich; three sons, Steven Couchman of Niles, Mich., Thomas Couchman of Galveston, Texas, and J. Robert Couchman of Buchanan; one sister, Elnora Young of Niles; and 11 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday at Hoven Funeral Home, with Dr. William Sanders officiating. Interment will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. on March 23, 1997.³

     Thomas Ray "Tommy" Couchman Thomas (Tommy) Ray Couchman, age 51, passed away Sunday, November 29, 2009 at UTMB Hospital. He was born on May 13, 1958 in Niles, Michigan. He loved Nascar racing and was a crew chief for the 5DBA See Ya!!! Racing Team. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family and friends, especially when he would have barbecue cook-outs for them. He was preceded in death by his father Randall Couchman. He is survived by his mother Betty Couchman; wife of 25 ½ years Mary Couchman; sons Michael Anthony Couchman and wife Jennifer, Carl Raymond Couchman and Patrick Arthur Couchman; grandchildren Hezekiah Randall Couchman and Ephraim Michael Couchman; brothers Steve Couchman and wife Shirley Cooper of Niles, Michigan and Bob Couchman and wife Maggie also of Niles, Michigan; sister Patricia Wagner and husband Lynn of Charlotte, Michigan and Cathy Ackerman of Michigan; mother-in-law Dorothy "Mimi" Schlegel; brother-in-law Rob Schlegel and wife Linda; sister-in-law Carol Kibler and husband Chuck; and countless friends.³ He was born on May 13, 1958 at Niles, Berrien Co., Michigan.^6,3 He married Mary Katherine Schlegel on June 16, 1984 at Galveston Co., Texas.^3,4,7 Thomas Ray "Tommy" Couchman died on November 29, 2009 at Galveston, Galveston Co., Texas, at age 51.^6,3

     Patricia Jean Couchman was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan.⁵ She was born on June 10, 1950 at Niles, Berrien Co., Michigan.^5,6,3 As of November 29, 1969,her married name was Wagner.⁵ She married Rev. Lynn W. Wagner on November 29, 1969.^5,3,4 Patricia Jean Couchman died on April 3, 2010 at Michigan at age 59.^5,6,3 She NILES - Patricia Jean Wagner, 59 of Charlotte, MI, passed away April 3, 2010. Mrs. Wagner was born June 10, 1950 in Niles, Michigan, the daughter of Randall and Betty (Runyan) Couchman. On November 29, 1969 she married her lifelong partner, Rev. Lynn Wagner. Patricia was the Executive Director for Michigan CASA for 13 years. She was on the Governors Task Force for Child Abuse Prevention, a member of the Child Abuse Prevention Council for the State of Michigan, and the State Adoption Board. Patricia was the former Board President of Habitat for Humanity of Barry County. She is survived by her husband, Lynn; daughter, Betsy (Darren) Tyria of Kalamazoo; mother, Betty Couchman of Buchanan, MI; siblings, Steven (Shirley) Couchman; J. Robert (Maggie) Couchman, both of Niles, MI; Catherine Ackerman of Ann Arbor, MI; sister-in-law, Mary Couchman of Galveston, TX. She was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas in 2009. Funeral services will be 2 pm Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church with visitation and luncheon following at the Buchanan Senior Center. I on April 10, 2010.³