Howard Jessup

Howard Jessup, 91, of Dowagiac, Michigan and Bradenton, Fla., passed away Thursday, December 20, 2007 at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac, Mich. Howard's life began on April 17, 1916 in Jefferson Township, Cass County, Michigan, the son of Paul and Eva Belle (Lewis) Jessup. He attended school in the old Newton School near Volinia. Howard served his country in the United States Army during World War II and served in the Pacific, North African and European Theatre. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. When he returned home in 1945, he finished college, earning his bachelors degree in Education at Western Michigan College and later his master's degree from the University of Michigan. Howard taught math in junior high in South Haven. In subsequent years he taught high school bookkeeping, accounting and typing. He also served as a yearbook advisor. From 1966 to 1979 when he retired he was the assistant principal at L.C. Mohr High School. In recognition for his outstanding service to the school and community, he was Grand Marshall of the South Haven Blueberry Festival parade in the summer of 1979. Howard enjoyed fishing and loved to garden. He also was a Boy Scout Leader. Since his retirement he has lived in Dowagiac and then spent the winter months in Bradenton, Fla. Howard's greatest joy was his family which includes his wife Helen of South Haven; his children Melvin and his wife Janice Jessup, Susan Jessup, Thomas and his wife Marilyn Jessup all of South Haven; his grandchildren, Kristin and her husband Kurt DeWitt, Corey Jessup, Joshua and his wife Evon Jessup, Mara Jessup, Jonathan Jessup, Jeremiah Jessup, Joseph Jessup, James Jessup, Jedidiah Jessup, Josiah Jessup, Johanan Jessup and Hannah Jessup; one great granddaughter, Abigail Jessup; and a brother, James and his wife, Margaret Jessup of Barefoot Bay, Fla. He is preceded in death by two brothers, Robert & Kenneth Jessup. His family will receive friends on Sunday, December 23rd from 2-5p.m. at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home where his service will be held on Monday, December 24th at 10a.m. led by Pastor John Kasper. He will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Howard at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.