Joseph R. Scramlin

Joseph R. Scramlin, age 73, a lifetime resident of Lapeer and graduate of Lapeer High School, passed away on December 4, 2024, with his family members by his side. He was born in Lapeer on November 17, 1951, at the old Lapeer Hospital on Pine Street, to James and Marjorie Scramlin. Joe served as a proud public servant for 41 years for the State of Michigan, many years at the Lapeer State Home – Oakdale Center. For those that remember, he was a loyal member of the Wally Dukes. An enthusiastic athlete in his younger years, he could be found regularly at The Boys Club, later the Henley Center, Gerlach's bowling alley, the Lapeer Racquetball Club or the softball fields. When not playing sports, he enjoyed his role as a spectator at his sons' various sporting events, and religiously followed the Lions, Tigers and Wolverines. Joe was a quick study on the golf course and stayed passionate about the game throughout his life, carding multiple holes-in-one on the local Lapeer links. He knew his way around a Weber kettle grill, always preferring charcoal over gas, deeming the latter "overrated". He was a lover and critic of rock 'n' roll music. Locally he'd tell you Murray, Rice, and Kellogg were the best, "bar none, case closed." He enjoyed countless concerts with friends and family, often recalling the stories that followed including that time he saw Black Sabbath at the Michigan State Fairgrounds during a thunderstorm.
He held numerous nicknames, "Smokey Joe" being one of his most common. Smokey was an outspoken socializer and upon first impression, appeared a bit gruff. But slowly and surely, with his sharp wit and kind soul, he would find his way into your heart, and you into his. He will be deeply missed by many.
Joseph is survived by his long-term partner Mary Beth Sweeney; son Nate Scramlin (Stacy Bowerman); step-son Zach Gibson; sister Jacque Rice; several nieces and nephews; also close family members, Linda (Brent) Stone, Gabe Stone and Michael Poole. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at McLaren Lapeer for their superb care and kindness.
He was preceded in death by his aforementioned parents; sister Janet Hutchins; brother James Scramlin; nieces Amy and Julie; nephew Zachary Rice.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 8th, from 1-4 p.m. at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors in Lapeer. A funeral service will be held at Lynch & Sons on Monday, December 9th at 12:00 p.m, with one hour of visitation prior at 11 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow. Memorial donations may be made to the Lapeer County Community Foundation.