Bruce Ucal Capes

Bruce U. Capes, 77, of St. Joseph, died Friday, April 6, 2007, in Berrien Center. Bruce was born on September 14, 1929 to Harold and Margaret Capes in Akron, Ohio. Bruce was a graduate of Akron East High School. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Akron University where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics from Valparaiso University. He later earned his graduate degree from Western Michigan University. Bruce married Mary Jane Thomas on January 5, 1953. She preceded him in death in 1996. Bruce served his country as an officer in the United States Air Corps and was a veteran of the Korean War. Shortly after his honorable discharge, he moved to Southwest Michigan and made St. Joseph his home for nearly 50 years. After taking a job with IBM in Benton Harbor, Bruce moved on to the Heath Company where he served in several capacities during his thirty-year career. After his retirement, Bruce was an adjunct instructor at Lake Michigan College. He also was a dedicated volunteer for several organizations, including Hospice, Lakeland Medical Center, and the City of St. Joseph. While volunteering for the city, Bruce helped found the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP). He was named the inaugural Volunteer of the Year for the City of St. Joseph in 2005. Bruce was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in St. Joseph. He was also a member of the Rotary Club, the Elks and the American Legion. Bruce is survived by his three sons: Thomas (Priscilla) Capes of Louisville, KY, Andrew (Kim) Capes of St. Joseph, and John (Dawn) Capes of Panama City Beach, FL. He also leaves four beloved grandchildren: Alexandra Capes and Zachary Capes of Louisville, Elissa Capes of St. Joseph, and Abigail Mary Jane Capes of Panama City Beach. One of the greatest joys of his life was watching his grandchildren enjoy his home on the beach. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00A.M., Tuesday, April 17, 2007, with Rev. Thomas Toeller-Novak officiating at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 914 Lane Dr., St. Joseph. Burial of ashes will be in Riverview Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00P.M. to 8:00P.M., Monday, April 16, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mary Jane Capes Nursing Scholarship through Lakeland Medical Center, or to the St. Joseph Public Library. Those wishing to send a condolence message or sign the guestbook online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com