Henry R. Velthouse Jr.

July 21, 1931 - Oct. 18, 2009
DOWAGIAC - Henry R. Velthouse Jr., 78, of Dowagiac, began life on July 21, 1931, in Dowagiac, the son of Henry and Beatrice (Brookfield) Velthouse Sr. He was united in marriage to the former Virginia McKinney on December 27, 1952, in South Bend. Henry served his country in the United States Army with service in Germany. Henry worked as a mason out of the bricklayers union in South Bend. He enjoyed building bird houses, and spending time outside hunting and fishing. His loving family includes his wife, Virginia Velthouse of Dowagiac; children, Bruce Velthouse of Dowagiac, Pamela Haas of Dowagiac and Dana Dodd of Arkansas; grandchildren, Brandi Evans, Amber Velthouse, Chad Velthouse, Dusty Velthouse, Erin Velthouse, Noah Livingston, Seth Livingston and Ethan Livingston, Rodney Velthouse, Jamie Velthouse and Becky Dodd; 25 great-grandchildren and 24 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Varhec and Beverly (David) Rank, both of Dowagiac; brothers, Kenny (Ann) Velthouse of MA, Larry (Locella) Velthouse of South Carolina and Ted (Bonnie) Velthouse of Niles. Henry passed away in his home on Sunday, October 18, 2009. He was preceded in death by a sister, Delores Huff, and a brother, Robbie Velthouse. His family will gather with friends on Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. in the McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home where his memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 6 p.m., led by Pastor Doug Cuthbert of Sister Lakes Community Church. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Hospice at Home (Buchanan). Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Henry at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.