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Williams-Gores Funeral Home

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Delton, Michigan

Lavern Trantham Obituary

Lavern "Vern" Trantham Delton Lavern C. Trantham, age 58, died at Borgess Medical Center on September 20, 2009. Vern was born on February 5, 1951, in Hastings, MI, to Othnel and Ellen (Lantz) Trantham. He grew up in the Delton area and graduated from Delton High School in 1969. Vern loved to work and had been employed with Battle Creek Glass as a fabrication specialist for the last 30 years. Vern was a man who enjoyed life and the friends he shared laughter with along the way. He enjoyed mowing his lawn, working in his garden, watching NASCAR or the Red Wings. Above all Vern loved to spend time with his family who include: his long time companion, Christine Sonicksen of Delton; children: Mitch Trantham of Colon, John and Jodi Trantham of Delton, and Kaylee Trantham of Battle Creek; grandchildren: Ashley, Justin and Allie; step-children: Mindy Oliverez, Tom Moore, and Matt Moore, all of the Grand Rapids area; and several step-grandchildren; siblings: Joe and Loli Trantham of Colorado, Gene and Kay Trantham of Delton, Margaret Sweetland of Lansing, and Wendell and Nancy Trantham of Delton; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Friends may visit with the family at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, September 24, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Delton, Rev. Matthew Fedewa, celebrant. Burial will take place in Brush Ridge Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. Please visit www.williams-goresfuneral.com to view or sign Vern's online guest book.

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Sep. 22, 2009.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lavern Trantham

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Our memories are of Delton High School, of being young, football games and the dances afterwards. It was with considerable shock to find that Vern had gone to live with our Lord. We will see him again and laugh at all the fun times of high school. The Newington sisters, Cindy and Laurie, send our love.

Cynthia Yarbrough

September 26, 2009

Thank you all for your kind words and sympathy. I know from those who signed this guest book and those who attended the viewings and/or funeral that he loved and was loved by many.
He was a great father and I will miss him more than I can express in words.

Mitchell Trantham

September 25, 2009

I met Vern a long time ago, remember the NOTE at Gun Lake? I never forgot him. He was always there for everyone even back then. He would give me rides from school in Kalamazoo to Hastings. Always said he wasnt going out of his way yea, right.
Always careing and loving. I tried. to see him a couple years ago, but it didn't work out. Our families have crossed paths for generations. I wish we could have shared our memories. We will on the other side. To the family you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Yes, a great guy!

Sandi Terry

September 24, 2009

I have known Vern for over 20 years and in that time have found him to be a very loving person. I can"t say of anyone who didn"t like or love him. Me and my kids have shared many family dinners and times on Kingsbury farm. I will aways remember him in his old grey truck and his trips to the barn. Our prayers go out to Verns" family. Brenda you had to fine boys by him. Kim had Kaylee who is a beautiful young woman. Also Kims"s kids Mindy,Matt and T.J. step kids yes but they loved him and respected him. Then he had Chris who Mitch and I sat with at several family functions. Chris I could see loved him very much. We enjoyed both of them. Vern was a lucky man to be surrounded by so much love. We will all miss you old friend.

Joy Hess

September 24, 2009

Joy and Mitch Hess

September 24, 2009

With our deepest sympathy to the Trantham family at this difficult time. Shane and Sara Ashley.

Sara Ashley

September 24, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Isa Shultz

September 23, 2009

My deepest condolences to Verns family. I got to know Vern and his family in the late 60's when we had a summer cottage across the lake from the family farm. He was a caring person and a hard worker. He will be missed.

Paul Schippers

September 23, 2009

Vern will be missed. He was a great person. He could relate to young and old alike. He would be there for you if you needed him. My thoughts and prayer go out to the family and friends.

Teresa Carpenter

September 23, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jill Brundige (Fox)

September 23, 2009

Thanks for all the laughs Vern...you will be missed. Robert Polen

Robert Polen

September 22, 2009

I have had the pleasure of knowing the Trantham family for 52 years. Vern is the only person I have heard of who had his head run over by a tractor and came out perfectly fine for the experience. Whether it was coloring eggs on Easter eve or lining up with the kids, a spoon in hand, to get a dose of Castoria (after a swim in Long Lake), I was treated like family. I felt like the other sister. It breaks my heart that Vern has left this world way too soon. I know that he is in the loving arms of the Lord, undoubtedly still using his gift for making people smile.
With deepest sympathy and love, Trudy

Trudy Durbin Anderson

September 22, 2009

Our hearts are with the entire family. He will be greatly missed.
Tony and Angie Falvo and family..

Tony Falvo

September 22, 2009

vern was one of my favorite customers, i always ask him about his garden, very nice person , and i am sorry for his family,

janet moore

September 22, 2009

i am so sorry for the loss in your family, Vern was a great guy, he always made it a point to talk to me when i went to the shop. he will be missed greatly.

Candice prater

September 22, 2009

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Williams-Gores Funeral Home

133 E. Orchard Street, P.O. Box 217, Delton, MI 49046

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