Herb Abrams, 96

Harry Herbert Abrams, known by most as Herb, passed from this life on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at the Battle Creek VA Palliative Care Facility where he had resided since March. He leaves behind two sons, Andrew (Sally) and Jeffrey (Julia) Abrams and his “adopted” daughter Deborah York. He was born on October 6, 1921 to Earl and Amy Abrams and lived most of his life, with the exception for his military service, within the Marcellus / Three Rivers Area. He was an athlete and graduate of Marcellus High School and the first of his family to graduate with a college degree from Western Michigan College. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps along with several other Marcellus residents in December of 1941 and served on Guadalcanal during World War II. He was one of the first non-commissioned officers to receive flight training. He may have made the Corps a career had there been enough airframes available to allow him to fly. It was after his discharge in 1945 that he enrolled at Western Michigan College and after trying his hand at sales with International Harvester and working with his father in law, Glen Van Valkenburg at Van’s Radio, he started Service Window Cleaning (SWC) in the early 60’s. It grew through his own perseverance and employed about a dozen people. SWC was known as the best commercial cleaning company in the Three Rivers area. He ran that until 1994 when he retired and closed it. He felt a responsibility for his employees and assisted them often. His charity was rarely known except by the recipients. Between 1974 and 1979 he was half of the pit crew for Andy and Jeff’s motocross efforts. They traveled throughout Michigan following the circuit. He could be found trackside during the motos with his movie camera documenting the action. Later during his retirement years, he assisted his children with building and remodeling, putting up hay, and house sitting. While in his 80’s he helped Andy start Marcellus Metalcasters performing work that those one fourth his age now have difficulty with. As age took its toll on his body, he became more confined to his home in Three Rivers and was able to do so only with the dedicated assistance of Deborah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara, sisters Ruth, Amy and Lucille, brothers Robert and Chuck. Surviving is one brother Jack, his two sons and Deborah mentioned above, five grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In accordance with his wishes cremation has been completed and a private interment of ashes will take place at Marcellus Cemetery. A memorial service will take place at 5:00 pm on Friday, September 7 at the Corey Church of the Nazarene.

Memorials made in memory of Harry may be directed to The Domestic Assault Shelter of Three Rivers. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home.