Bruce McKercher, 93

Another of America’s Greatest Generation has passed on. Bruce Dexter McKercher went to join his wife of 67 years, Carol, on Nov. 6, 2016. Bruce leaves behind a son, Brian (Debra) McKercherk of Richmond, Va;. and a daughter, Debra (Robert) Long of Colon. He will be sorely missed by his grandchildren, Ashley (Jeremy) Meyers, Andrew (Stephanie) Long, Ensign Patrick McKercher, USN, Bridget McKercher; and his great-grandchildren, Savannah Meyers, Mason Meyers and Braxton Long. He also leaves behind two sisters, Rose Jackson and Marjorie Adams.
Bruce was born in 1923 on a small farm west of Colon, the third of seven brothers and sisters. He joined the Navy after the start of World War II and served as a Seabee in the Ninth Special Naval Construction Battalion on Guadalcanal, Green Island, and in the Russell Islands.
Following the war, Bruce returned to Colon and worked for many years at Lamb Knit and Denton, starting as a sewing machine mechanic manufacturing sweaters and footy pajamas. Bruce rose in the Carroll organization to being assistant plant manager and a critical technical specialist in procurement of advanced knitting machines and the development of a new generation of knitting facilities. His final work joy was running the annual sweater sale at the St. Joseph County Fair. During this time, Bruce was active as a Little League coach, a volunteer firefighter and a member of the town council. Bruce and Carol were always the home where everyone was welcome. Whether it was dinners for friends after sports practices, poker games or pool parties, Bruce and Carol’s was always a safe place for friends.
Upon retirement, Bruce and Carol split time between Colon and Lakeland, Fla. In Lakeland, they maintained an active lifestyle and were especially committed to attending Detroit Tigers spring training games. Bruce remained active in service groups, such as Freemasons and American Legion. In particular, he enjoyed the camaraderie of the American Legion until the end and was passionate about Children’s Christmas Fund.
Our family will have a visitation at 10 a.m. and a memorial ceremony at 11 a.m. Dec. 21, 2016, at Schipper Funeral Home, with the Rev. David J. Farrell officiating, to be followed by a military ceremony at Lakeside Cemetery, weather permitting. We want to give a special thank you to Julie and Ray Skaggs and their wonderful staff for the loving care they provided Bruce in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, please support Grace Hospice, the Colon American Legion Christmas fund or the charities of your choice.