Francis Edward Stump

ST. JOSEPH – Francis Edward Stump, 80, of St. Joseph, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2007, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 18, at Lakeshore Christian Church in St. Joseph with Chaplain Walter McCutcheon officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Run Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home in St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to Lakeshore Christian Church or the Berrien County Humane Society. Notes of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.starks-menchinger.com. Francis was born on August 22, 1926, in Sodus, to Joe Allen and Nora Belle (Humphrey) Stump. He grew up on the family dairy farm in Sodus. On September 30, 1950, he married Barbara Williams in Benton Harbor. He spent 39 years with Whirlpool Corporation retiring in 1988. He previously served as a PTA officer, Scout leader, and Little League coach. He also served on the Royalton Township Board. He was an avid U of M fan who thoroughly enjoyed old cars. Being a dad was very important to Francis and he deeply loved his family. He was always willing to reach out and help in any way he could. He will be deeply missed. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Barbara Stump; two sons, Michael (Karen) and Craig (Linda); three daughters, Cindy (Brett) Bailey, Lisa (Bryan) Krugh, and Sara (Alberto) Luna; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and eight brothers and sisters.