Lloyd A. Both

Lloyd Allen Both, 83, died peacefully at his home on November 22, 2006 in St. Joseph, MI. He was born in St. Joseph, MI on November 3, 1923 to Lydia (Kretchman) Both and Fred Both. Mr. Both is survived by his wife of 60 years Joyce (Bartz) Both; son Ronald Both of St. Joseph, daughters Bonnie (Bruce) Lawrence of Metamora, MI, and Dr. Connie Hyler-Both (David) of Clintonville, WV; grandchildren William Lawrence of Metamora, MI, Erica (Shawn) Bashore of Chula Vista, CA, and Emily Hyler-Both of Clintonville, WV; sister-in-law, Carol Stockman of St. Joseph; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Frederick Both, infant daughter Edna, and beloved brother-in-law Al Stockman. Although born in MI, he grew up in the Chicago area and he graduated from Lane Tech High School in 1941 with training as a printer. After graduation he moved to Michigan and worked with AB Morse Printing in St. Joseph until he enlisted in the US Navy in 1943. After his honorable medical discharge in the same year, he attended Twin City Business College. On July 7, 1946, he married Joyce Bartz. Mr Both worked as a bookkeeper for the following companies: Benton Harbor Malleable, Jennings Lumber, and Nylen Products. He later served as the Berrien Circuit Court Administrator for 17 years until his retirement in 1993. Mr. Both was a faithful member of the Baroda Zion United Church of Christ, where he served as the head of the 2003 centennial restoration committee and in various other capacities. He was especially proud to have performed the role of Peter in the Last Supper pageant for several years at the St. Joseph church. Mr. Both was the last continuously active charter member of the Stevensville American Legion Post 568. For over 59 years, he participated in many aspects of the Legion, from building the facility, to commander, and even cook for the monthly steak fries. An avid fisherman and hunter, he was a member of the Berrien County Sportsman’s Club for 60 years, involved in Ducks Unlimited and the National Turkey Federation. He was co-founder of B.J. Sports of Scottdale, a business run for 30 years by his son, Ronald.. He was the last active founding member of the Royalton Township Volunteer Fire Dept. He proudly served for 44 years, including 5 years as chief of the Tri-Unit Fire Dept. He will be sorely missed as a meticulous secretary and historian who keenly kept the best interests of the Fire Department at heart. He was a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs for 31 years. Mr. Both served the community in a variety of capacities including 4-H leader, member of Royalton Township Board of Review, member of the Fraternal Order of Police for 30 years, Disabled American Veterans for 62 years, and a lifetime member of the Forty and Eight. He also participated for the past seven years in the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life. In his spare time Mr. Both enjoyed carpentry, and built his own home in Royalton Township. He actively pursued genealogy by researching and extensively cataloging family history. He was a born story teller with a sharp sense of humor who loved being with his family. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 26, at Zion United Church of Christ, 9100 Church St., Baroda, with Dr. Christopher Noffke officiating. Inurnment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph, with military rites conducted by Stevensville American Legion Post 568. Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the church. Those wishing to sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Memorials made be made to any of the following: Zion United Church of Christ of Baroda, Scottdale Volunteers ( local firefighters ), American Cancer Society, Berrien County Cancer Service, or Hospice.