Leonel E. Green

Leonel Ernest Green went to be with the Lord on September 8, 2016. He was born to Ernest and Carrie Green, the first of three boys, on June 17, 1921. He entered this world in the 130 year old farm house on Cornwell Avenue and resided there with his parents, grandparents and 2 brothers until they moved to town in 1936 when Lee was in the 6th grade. When World War II came along, Lee joined the Army with so many other brave young men. He served his Country for 3 and a half years and at one point went completely around the world. There was a 2 year period when he was separated from his new bride Juanita. The interruption of their new life together only strengthened their marriage which lasted 72 years, until her death in 2013. Upon returning from the war, their daughter Sherrie was born and Lee built their first home on John R. Street. Son Dennis came 3 years later and the family gatherings there produced many wonderful memories. In 1962, Lee built the second home on Lake Shamrock, where the family lived until Juanita’s passing. Lee was very skilled at fixing and building things, always figuring out how to make a part for something that was broken. Sherrie’s childhood perception was that her Dad could fix anything. Lee and Juanita enjoyed 27 years of wintering in Florida after 40 years with Michigan Bell Telephone. While there, he participated in the Florida Senior tennis games and received over 20 medals. Lee was an active member of the Clare Area Tennis League and passed his love of the sport on to his grandsons Matthew and Mark Haley. For many years he was active with the Clare Rod and Gun Club and was instrumental in the building of the Clubhouse. He was an avid bow hunter and made his own arrows and equipment. As a Life Member of the VFW Post 5738 he and others were responsible for the initiation of the “Parade of Flags” display to honor our Veterans. Thanks to Lee’s brother Kay, and grandson Matthew, Leonel was given the privilege of participating in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2015. Lee was a member of the Clare United Methodist Church and also in the last years regularly attended the Clare Christ Fellowship with members of his family. Leonel resided at Prestige Place Assisted Living of Clare during his last few years. The love, care, and compassion he was given by the caregivers there will always be remembered by the family. He had such high praise for them at all times. They were his extended family and deserve much thanks. Leonel is survived by his daughter Sherrie (Mike) Haley; four grandchildren: Matthew (Victoria) Haley, Mark (Mary) Haley, Chelsea (Dusty) Partello and Denae Green; ten great grandchildren: Grace, Isaac, Bryce, Myla, Megan, Cassidy, Maya, Kelsie, Jayden and Brody; his brother K.C. (Verna) Green, sister-in-law Elaine Green and brother and sister-in-law Ron and Darlene Schunk. Leonel was predeceased by his wife Juanita, son Dennis and brother Cleland. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 11, 2016, from 6 to 9 P.M. at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. Services will take place on Monday at 11 A.M. at the Clare United Methodist Church with Pastors John Kasper and Gary Mann officiating. Burial with Military Honors to follow in the Cherry Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clare United Methodist Church, Childcare Center. On-line guestbook at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Leonel E. Green

June 17, 1921 - September 8, 2016