Obituary of Mervin LaPlant

Mervin J. LaPlant, 87, of Berrien Springs, passed away suddenly at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan on Thursday, December 3, 2009. Mr. LaPlant had fallen at his residence at Berrien Specialty Hospital a few hours prior. He was born on December 19, 1921 to the late John and Lillian (Gridley) LaPlant in Detroit, Michigan. Mervin was married to Jean Bernard from 1945-1964. He then married LoVon Buchanan from 1964-1982. Mervin worked as a carpenter for most of his life. He retired from Andrews University, department of plant services. After retirement Mervin helped others in the community as their "house doctor" always willing to care for others. His enjoyment was working with young people encouraging them to keep a strong faith. He worked volunteering with Pathfinders Clubs of the Seventh Day Adventist Church for over fifty years. A Godly man, Mervin was devout in his faith and no one was a stranger to him. He was a faithful member of the All Nations Seventh Day Adventist Church in Berrien Springs for many years. Mervin was a member of the John Deere Two-Cylinder Tractor Club. Mervin is survived by his two daughters Linda (Herb) Hill of Portland, Oregon and Carolynn (Frank) Hancock of Jacksonville, Florida, Ron (Jeannie Water) DeWitt of Apopka, Florida, two step daughters Marty Peters of St. Petersburg, Florida and JoLynn (Kevin) Olds of Indianapolis, Indiana, two grandchildren James J.J. (Laura Rosenboom) Hill of Berrien Springs and Kim (Daryl) Cole of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mervin also opened his heart as a caring grandfather to Carol and Alexi of Jacksonville, Florida. In accordance with Mervin's wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. at All Nations Seventh - day Adventist Church 4259 E. Snow Road in Berrien Springs.