Theodore Longnecker

Theodore Longnecker, age 88 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at the Prestige Place Assisted Living Facility of Clare with his family by his side. He was born the son of Theodore and Viola (Trim) Longnecker, Sr. in Muskegon, MI. on October 29, 1929. In 1951, Theodore was united in marriage and began a family with Louise Fairfield, who preceded Theodore in death in 1964. He was remarried to Carol Moore in 1965, and the couple moved to the Central Michigan area shortly after in 1966. In 1975, Theodore was married to Karen Schleicher and the pair enjoyed nearly thirty-six years of marriage until Karen’s passing in 2011. During his working years, Theodore was a proud machine operator for Delfield Manufacturing for twenty-eight years, in which he developed a strong connection in the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations and the UAW. He was also a very proud member of the U.S. Navy, having served active time during the Korean War, and he was a proud member and quartermaster of the Clare VFW. Theodore enjoyed fishing in his younger years, collecting coins, but most importantly, he loved softball. Theodore could usually be found on the ball fields of Clare playing or coaching for the Clare Merchants, a team he proudly managed from 1976 to 2010. Theodore is survived by his children Linda McQueen of Grand Haven, James (Caroline) Longnecker of AZ., Teddy (Diane) Longnecker of GA., Steve (Thui Nugyen) Longnecker of Lansing, Danial Longnecker of GA., Gerald (Vicki) Longnecker of Clare, Timothy Longnecker of Clare, and Renee Briggs of FL. He is also survived by his twenty-seven grand children and thirteen great-grandchildren. Theodore was preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Viola Longnecker, his daughter Rachelle Amira, his brothers Robert and Norman Longnecker, and his sister Barbara Fotis. A memorial service in honor of Theodore will take place at the Clare Chapel of the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Jim Young officiating. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to the time of service at 1:00 P.M. Memorial contributions in honor of Theodore are recommended to the Clare Little League Program and those who are unable to attend may leave an online condolence on the Longnecker family’s page at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Theodore Longnecker

October 29, 1929 - February 14, 2018