Darryl Longieliere, 72

Darryl Francis Longieliere, age 72, of Sturgis, passed away early Friday morning, Jan. 4, 2019, at his home, following a long battle with heart disease.
He was born Dec. 22, 1946, in Lansing, a son of the late Frances and Dorotha (Norris) Longieliere.
Darryl resided his entire life in the Michiana area, the past 25 years in Sturgis.
He was a self-employed truck driver for 20 years and raced trotting breed and standard breed horses.
Darryl was a graduate of Jimtown High School in Elkhart, where he participated in band, track and football.
He attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burr Oak. Darryl enjoyed horses, spending time on the farm, fishing and old Western movies and loved time with his family.
He is survived by his life companion, Lee Johncock; three stepdaughters, Cody (Rich) Baker of Sturgis, Ellen (Rod) Everet of Kansas and Jenny (Rick) Brooks of Battle Creek; a brother, Darwin (Jeanne) Longieliere of Brookings, S.D.; two sisters, Angela Longieliere and Darlyene Sweezy, both of Elkhart; a daughter, Teri Jo (Steve) Calleson of Florida; a son, Javon (Dawn) Longieliere of Georgia; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents Glenn and Josie Norris; and a brother-in-law, Cliff Sweezy.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service and burial of ashes will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019, at The Tobey, Big Hill Road in Burr Oak Township. The Rev. Kurt Kuhlman of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burr Oak will officiate.
Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis,is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Longieliere’s memory consider the charity of one’s own choice.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.