Earl Deford

Earl Deford Bay City, Michigan Mr. Deford passed away peacefully Monday, February 16, 2015 at his residence. Age 88 years. The son of the late Louis and Florence (Chapman) Deford was born May 14, 1926 in Bay City and has resided here all of his life. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during WW II, retired from Bay County Parks and Recreation, enjoyed fishing, hunting and was an avid Detroit Tiger Fan. On September 6, 1951 he married the former Bernadine Warszawski and she preceded him in death on September 27, 2014. Left behind to cherish his memories are his children and their spouses; Michael and Rose Ann Deford, Steven and Theresa Deford, Timothy and Susan Deford, Dennis and Susann Deford, Gregory Deford and fiancée; Karen Light, Janet and Victor (Chip) Matuszewski and Carol Blossey, twelve grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two brothers two sisters-in-law; David Deford (Ilene Didyk) and Donald and Sally Deford and Joanne Warszawski many nieces and nephews cousins and friends. He was also preceded in death by his brothers; Walter and Robert Deford and his sisters; Edith Ahler, Evelyn Fowler, Francis Erody and Marjorie VanOchten. Funeral and Committal Services will take place Friday, February 20, at 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Officiating will be Rev. Fr. Robert S. Gohm followed by Military Honors conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council and the United States Army with cremation following. Private Inurnment will take place in St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Thursday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. and until the time of service. Those planning an expression of Sympathy are asked to consider a memorial to the wishes of the family.