William McCune

William "Bill" McCune was the kind of man who made friends wherever he went. With a big heart, a great sense of humor and an infectious personality, meeting new people always came easy to Bill. He was just the kind of man people enjoyed being around. Most importantly, Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who provided faithfully for his family while sharing much love and laughter.

William McCune was born in Chester Township, Michigan, in the community of Lisbon near Conklin on May 18, 1920, to proud parents, Lewis and Augusta (Brocker) McCune. Bill was the youngest of four children and the only boy. He came into the world during a new era of optimism. The Roaring 20s was a time of social and economic revolution, as the stock market soared and consumer goods were being massed produced at affordable prices. Bill remained in Lisbon throughout his growing up years, where his father worked as a farmer to support their family. When Bill was old enough to do his share around the farm, it became his responsibility to tend to the steam boiler, which ran the tractor. This was a tough job, but Bill was able to convince his cousin to tag along once to tend to the boilers while he laid back and relaxed, like old Tom Sawyer style. Like many boys, Bill wasn't real fond of school; he'd much rather be out working in the fields. Yet, he still attended their one-room schoolhouse through the eighth grade. In later years, he often told his children how he went in the front door of school and out the back to go work on the farm.

Bill's very first job was at Gerber Baby Food, though it only lasted for one day. He went in to apply for the job in his Sunday best and they put him to work right away in the backroom. But by days end, his clothes were ruined and Bill was disgusted and never returned. His next job was at the Eagle-Ottawa Tannery in Grand Haven. It was here that Bill worked with Walter Wiebenga, who introduced him to his beautiful daughter, Evalynn. They soon began dating and a year later Bill and Evalynn were happily married on October 21, 1944, at her parents' home. The newlyweds made their first home together in Muskegon, where Bill took a job driving a fuel delivery truck for Old Dutch Refinery. This job kept Bill very busy and away from home a lot. So after his children were born, he went to work for Holtrop Concrete, driving a cement truck, which allowed him to spend more time with his family.

Bill and Evalynn were blessed with four wonderful children: William Jr., Robert, Nancy, and Kathy. Bill was an easygoing father, who rarely got upset, worked hard and loved being outdoors. He loved to go camping, particularly at Black Lake, but any good spot would due. Being the "people person" he was Bill often wandered away from the campsite to talk to fellow campers, leaving Evalynn to set up camp alone. By the time he came back, he knew pretty much everyone in the area. But that was Bill - he just loved to talk and his quick wit, ready smile and calm demeanor always put others at ease. Bill used any excuse to visit with people, including snowplowing in the winter.

When Bill retired from Holtrop's, he and Evalynn moved to Branch and later bought their current home in 1987. Being retired, Bill had more free time to devote to fishing, hunting and socializing, his favorite pastimes. Fishing was the best on Black Lake, and Bill was happy if he caught anything. Once he fished an entire day without catching a thing worth keeping, so he stopped at the fish market on the way home to buy proof, or Evalynn wouldn't have believed he fished all day. Bill and Evalynn also enjoyed getting away from the cold weather and wintered in Florida. Bill had an adventurous spirit and loved to drive all over, including unexplored two-tracks, though Evalynn was convinced he was trying to get them lost. This usually led to his granddaughter reassuring her by saying, "Grandma don't worry, Bumpa will get us out. If anyone needed directions, Bill was the person to see. He could give several different routes for one destination. Bill's father was a World War I veteran so Bill became a proud member of the "Dads in VFW", which is a part of the VFW Post 446 on Getty Street in Muskegont. He was also a member of the Fruitport Eagles, and enjoyed serving pizza and working steak fry's at the VFW. Bill had pretty simple taste - he loved oysters and sardines, salmon patties, any kind of fish and steak. He started every morning off right with a good breakfast, biscuits and gravy if possible. He was always saying, "you've got to eat breakfast." Bill enjoyed listening to country music with Evalynn, especially trucking music.

Bill was simply a fun-loving man with a wonderful personality. His big warm smile brightened many days for those around him, and his quick wit kept them in stitches. Bill was always in his glory when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were around and they weren't exempt from his teasing. He gave them each a fun nickname that only Bumpa used, and he was always up for a good game of "bump-off", a longtime family favorite. A real kid at heart, Bill would dress up in costume every Halloween and take the grandchildren trick or treating. He shared a special bond with granddaughter Robin as their birthdays were a couple days apart. They would celebrate together every year, and this year was no exception. Another special member of the family was Bill's beloved dog Grasshopper, and he truly was Bill's dog. Following Evalynn's death this past December, Grasshopper was a wonderful companion for Bill.

Bill McCune was a truly a loving man who brightened and enriched the lives of everyone around him every day. He will be greatly missed.

William "Bill" McCune died on Sunday, August 13, 2006, at his home after a short battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evalynn, on December 23, 2005, and his sisters, Irene Rogers, Ruth McCune and Frieda Gault. He will be greatly missed by his children: William (Jacci) McCune Jr. of Baldwin, Robert McCune, Nancy (Richard) Smith, and Kathy (Allen) Miel, all of Muskegon; 17 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; his sisters-in-law: Albertha Mosser of Boyne City, and Alyce (James) Veach of Muskegon; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held for Bill at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, at the Stephens Life Story Funeral Home in Scottville, with Rev. Timothy Yankee of Calvary Baptist Church in Ludington officiating. Cremation has taken place at Western Michigan Crematory in Muskegon, and burial will take place at the Lisbin Cemetery at a later date. Friends may meet with his family for a time of visitation on Saturday from noon until time of services at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to a charity of the donor's choice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory of Bill or sign the online guestbook.