Larry K. Howard
Of Stockbridge, MI.

Age 67, passed away Saturday September 24, 2005 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He was born on October 3, 1937 in Bradley, Kentucky the son of Wick and Elsie (Minix) Howard. Larry had lived in the area since 1941 and was a charter member of the Family Tabernacle of Gregory. He graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1956. He enjoyed playing music, gardening and was locally known as the Ground Mole to all his CB buddies. On November 20, 1965 he married Barbara Ousley in Stockbridge and she survives, also surviving are his 2 children, Pastor Jeff (Tracey) Howard and Scott (Amy) Howard all of Stockbridge. Brothers and sisters, Rolla Fetterly of Salyersville, Madge (Walter) Ottoman of Chelsea, Calvin (Ruby) Howard of Eaton Rapids, Mareda O’Brien of Lansing, Bethelene Nawrock of Stockbridge, Mary (James) Fletcher of Stockbridge, Linda (JR) Clark of Stockbridge and Judy (Dale) Leach of Hanover-Horton. Three grandchildren also survive, Lucas, Kristen and Aidan Howard. He was preceded in death by his sister Annette Siegler, a brother Clyde Howard and a nephew Kevin Clark. Funeral services will be Tuesday September 27, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Pastor Doug Prater officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Burial will take place at Pleasant Grove Cemetery Munith. Contributions may be made to The Family Tabernacle of Gregory.
Donald W. Williams

Donald W. Williams, 66, of Ann Arbor died Thursday September 22 at Chelsea Retirement Center, Chelsea, Michigan, following a seven-month battle with cancer. He is survived by his father, Joel Williams, 97, of Marietta, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joel Williams, Jr., and by his mother, Opal.

Dr. Williams received his bachelor ’s degree (1961) and master ’s degree (1962) in music from Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee, where he studied with Scott Withrow. In 1979 he received the Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance from the University of Michigan, where he studied with Dr. Marilyn Mason. At Michigan, he was given the prestigious Palmer Christian Award by the Organ Department of the School of Music in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in teaching, performing, and choral conducting. Dr. Williams was a dedicated and lifelong church musician. He was Organist-Choirmaster at Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor from 1963 until 1995, when he became Organist-Choirmaster at Chelsea First United Methodist Church, a position he held until his death. He was founder and conductor of the American Chorale of Sacred Music, a group formed in 1995 to sing and promote sacred repertoire.

An active recitalist, Dr. Williams performed at churches and cathedrals in this country and abroad, including the National Cathedral and the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., St. Thomas Episcopal Church in New York City, St. Joseph ’s Oratory in Montreal, and various European venues. From 1981 to 1985 he performed as a member of Principal VI, a group of professional organists from the greater Ann Arbor area. In 1986, he was given the honor of performing the world premiere of composer Vincent Persichetti ’s last composition, Give Peace, O God.

Dr. Williams was a mentor to many students and considered teaching to be a highly important part of his professional life. He was a member of the Organ Faculty of the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan, from 1966 to 1970. He was Adjunct Lecturer in Organ at the University of Michigan in the early 1970s. His principal college-level teaching association, over many years, was with Concordia University in Ann Arbor, where he taught organ performance and church music (1976 to 1995, 1999 until his death). He was co-founder of the Ann Arbor Youth Chorale, which he directed with Richard Ingram and Ruth Datz from 1987 to 2001.

Dr. Williams ’ many professional affiliations included various positions held in the Ann Arbor chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He was Chair of the Alumni Board of the School of Music, University of Michigan, from 1975 to 1978. He was Chair of Worship Standards and Repertoire of the American Choral Directors ’ Association (1995-2001), and a member of the Board of the Boy Choir of Ann Arbor from 2000 until his death. He was a life member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Dr. Williams touched many lives, both with his music and with his outgoing and generous personality. His stated personal and professional goal was ’to grow spiritually and musically and always to strive for excellence. ’ He was a vital member of the music community in Ann Arbor and Chelsea, as well as enjoying national standing as an organist and choral conductor. Donald will be greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues and by the hundreds of students and young people he taught.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home of Chelsea. Visitation will be at Chelsea First United Methodist Church (128 Park Street, Chelsea) on Sunday, September 24, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor (1432 Washtenaw Avenue) on Monday, September 26, at 1:30 p.m., preceded by organ preludes. Officiating clergy for the service are Reverend Joy Barrett, Reverend Richard Dake, Reverend Fred Harms, Reverend Doctor Anne-Marie Kidder, Reverend Barbara Lewis-Lakin, and Reverend Doctor Eugene Nissen. Those wishing to participate in the service as part of the choir are requested to arrive by 12:30 p.m. for rehearsal. Interment will be in Anniston, Alabama.

Memorial contributions can be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church, the Organ Department of Concordia University, and the Organ Department of the School of Music, University of Michigan. On Dr. Williams’ behalf, his friends wish to acknowledge the attentive and sensitive care he received from the staff and health aides of Chelsea Retirement Center and from the staff of Hospice of Michigan.
Archie Jr. Coleman
Of Stockbridge

Age 78 passed away at Ingham Regional Medical Facility on September 5. He was born the son of William and Mary (Haskell) Coleman on September 20, 1926 in White Oak Township. Archie loved the outdoors fishing, hunting, hunting for mushrooms and mowing lawns. In 1980 he retired from the Dana Corporation where he worked for many years. Surviving are his two children Archie G. Coleman of Stockbridge, Teresa R. Coleman of Stockbridge; special friend Shirley A. Corwin of Webberville; nephew Delbert Corwin of Stockbridge; many grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister Edith Shirley of Blissfield and his brother William Coleman of Adrian. Archie was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters; Fern Wright, Bertha Hodge, Gladys Corwin; and one brother John Coleman. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 8, 11:00 a.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy maybe made to the Coleman family. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m.