Obituary: LaVerne Keson, Sr., 66, Benton Harbor.

LaVerne Keson

Obituary: LaVerne Keson, Sr., 66, Benton Harbor.

LaVerne “Vern” Bruce Keson Sr., 66, of Benton Harbor passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, May 16, 2017.

A memorial service will be held by the family at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Those wishing to send a condolence or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Vern was born on November 3, 1950, in Battle Creek to Ange (Nelson) Avery and LaVerne L. Keson. He attended Battle Creek High School. Vern married Jane Hodges on August 3, 1984. He was on the board for welding at West Shore Community College and was an instructor at Lake Michigan College for Industrial Safety and Sheet Metal Layout. Vern worked for several years at Savage/Metal Works. He retired from LECO Corp. after 20 years of service as a plant manager. Vern and his business partner, Kelly (Shelly) Branch started All Season Archery in Watervliet and developed Spyder Web Targets that are manufactured in St. Joseph. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was an avid outdoorsman. He mentored youth archery. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He was always there to give guidance or encouragement.

Vern is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jane; mother, Ange Avery; children: LaVerne Keson, Jr., Glenadine “Angie/ Petie” Keson, Douglas Lemere Jr., Jason Lemere, Naomi (Rob) Glover and Caitlin (Donnie) Johnson II; brothers: James (Vanessa) Keson and Gary (Cindy) Keson; grandchildren: Austyn, Brice, Jennifer, Jessica, Billy(Cortni), Kitana (Ken), Leena, Ashleigh, Cameron, Collin and Ryan; nine great-grandchildren, with one due in September; sisters-in-law: Sarah (Duane) Cook, and Kay DePree; and Ron (Betty) Hodges;several nieces and nephews and business partner, Kelly (Shelly) Branch. He was preceded in death by his father Laverne L. Keson; step father Richard Avery and nephew Matthew Keson.