Dwight Clinton Kennard, Jr., PCC

PCC Dwight Clinton Kennard, Jr., died December 10, 2009, in De Bary, FL.  Born 3 September 1913 in Santa Rosa, CA, Brother Kennard served as Camp Secretary/Treasurer 1988-90 in Robert Finch Camp No. 14, Traverse City, MI, before being elected to Camp Commander 1997-99.

He honored his grandfather, PVT Owen Kennard, Co. F, 7th Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.

Holding a Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from M.I.T., Brother Kennard finished his career with NASA, working on unmanned spaceflights. In addition to the SUVCW, he was a member of several professional and historic associations.
Although his wife of 65 years preceded him in death, he is survived by a son, three daughters, a sister, four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place in Florida, but a memorial service will be planned for the summer in Traverse City. A more detailed obituary was printed in the Traverse City “Record-Eagle” on December 12, 2009.

Brother Arvis Leroy Dawson

Brother Arvis Leroy Dawson, Russell A. Alger Camp-at-Large No. 462, died November 13, 2009 in West Bloomfield, MI.  Brother Dawson was born May 11, 1925 in Clinton, MS.  He has been a member of the SUVCW  by virtue of his Great Grandfather, 1st Sgt. Oliver Dawson, Co. I, 52d Infantry Regt., USCT.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting his niece,  Ms. Rachel Eickemeyer, 5564 Haverhill, W. Bloomfield, MI 48322, phone 248/538-8973

Brother John M. McFeters

Brother John M. McFeters of Austin Blair Camp No. 7, Jackson, MI, died May 13, 2009 following a massive heart attack. A member of Camp No. 7 since January 2003, John served as Camp Secretary, Patriotic Instructor, JVC and SVC. He also served as Department Guide in 2008. He was a member of the SUVCW by virtue of being the descendant of 1st Sergeant George Felix Myers, 9th Indiana Light Artillery. Born in Albion, MI May 4, 1947, John and his wife, Karen, reside in Jackson, MI. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on May 16th at the First Presbyterian Church, 201 Hanover St., Concord, MI. Members of the SUVCW are asked to gather at 10:00 a.m., preferably in uniform or appropriate funeral attire. Burial will be in Napoleon, OH. In addition to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, John was a member of the Horton Lions Club and the Cascades Civil War Muster Committee. A Vietnam War Veteran, he was also a Cub Scout Leader and active with MHSSA Girls Volleyball and Soccer. In lieu of flowers or other gifts Karen has requested donations to the Cascades Humane Society.

Brother James T. Lyons
Past Department Commander

James T. Lyons, formerly of Lansing, age 78 passed away March 11, 2009 in Grand Rapids. He was born March 9, 1931 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to James G. and Alice Lyons. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Catherine V. Chapin. Also surviving are daughters, Elizabeth (Marley) Hilts of Sunfield, Susan (Phil) Brunell of Allendale, and Jennifer (Brian) Snover of St. Johns; grandchildren, Jay and Darrin Hilts along with Sarah and Brian Snover; as well as his sister, Pat Krueger of Racine, Wisconsin. James was a veteran of the U. S. Army, serving during the Korean Conflict in the Signal Corps of the 25th Infantry Division: Tropic Lightning. He was also a member of the Michigan Society of the Sons of the Revolution, the Michigan Department of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War; and many other historical groups. He was a historian and genealogist. There will be a memorial service held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at the Deepdale Memorial Gardens Chapel, 4110 Lansing Road., Lansing, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Ann’s Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Boy Scouts of America, or Girl Scouts of America.

Brother Ray E. Shedd
Charter Member of General Israel B. Richardson Camp No. 2

Ray E. Shedd Age 88, of West Bloomfield, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2009. Beloved husband of the late Pauline for 49 years. Loving father of Lawrence (Linda) Shedd, and Cynthia (Roy) Itami. Loving and proud gramps of Ryan Shedd. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Graduated from Michigan State University and member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Ray was a proud WWII Army Veteran, stationed in England. Retired from Manufacturers Bank as Senior Vice President, he remained active in the retiree’s breakfast group. Ray was a charter member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. He enjoyed coin collecting, reading, the Spartans, travel, golf and tracing his family history. Ray touched many lives and will live on in our hearts. Funeral Friday 11 a.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. Visitation Thursday 2-8 p.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. www.mccabefuneralhome.com