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Michael “Cody” LaTour, age 37, of Centreville, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. He was born on September 15, 1988 in Sturgis. Cody was a bright, artistic, and endlessly curious soul whose heart was as big as his imagination. From a young age, he loved dragons, drawing, writing, fishing, archery, and exploring how things worked. He had a natural gift for fixing, tinkering, and figuring out anything he touched—a true jack‑of‑all‑trades who could make something out of the simplest items lying around.
Cody shared a strong bond with his brothers and sisters. He loved hanging out with them, watching movies, listening to music, and enjoying the simple comfort of being together. Those moments shaped him, but the deepest joy of his life came later—through the time he spent with his children.
Movie nights with his kids were his favorite place to be. He would sit with them drawing during the film until he inevitably drifted off first, his arms wrapped around them in the safest, warmest way. Their mom would quietly take pictures, knowing how precious those moments were. In the mornings, he would laugh at the doodles they had drawn on his arms and tickle them until the room erupted in giggles. Those memories—soft, silly, and full of love—are the ones his children will carry forever.
Cody loved his children deeply. Though he wasn’t always able to be with them daily, he talked about them often and carried them in his heart. He wanted the very best for them and tried his hardest to take care of them in every way he could. He was a hopeless romantic, always searching for true love and a place where he felt fully understood.
He was always willing to help others and often took on jobs simply because someone needed a hand. He lived his life doing everything he could to provide for himself and the people he cared about. Even when life was difficult, Cody took responsibility for his actions and kept trying to do right. He would stop by just to mow a yard or earn a few dollars, always pushing forward despite the challenges he faced.
He had many friends and was the kind of person who would drop everything to help if someone needed him. His strength, humor, creativity, and compassion left a mark on everyone who knew him.
Cody leaves behind his five children: Sahara, Dystine, Kenneth, Thomas, and Anastasia, as well as his bonus daughter, Rebeka. He is also survived by his father Fred LaTour and stepmother Debra LaTour; his girlfriend Karyn Franks; and his siblings Cindy Armour, Allen (Sara) Burr, Christine Shepard, Carl (Lori) Shepard, and Victoria (Harold) Cox. He is remembered with love by many nieces and nephews, including Bailee, Mia, Dylan, Samantha, Ashlee, Mandalinn, Kenneth, Katie, Kimmy, Sean, Lacie, Josh, and Alyssa, along with numerous other family members and friends who cared deeply for him.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carlene Joyce Smith; his grandmother, Judith Bower; his great‑grandparents, Laverne and Ruth Rambalt; his stepbrother, Nicholas Hargett; and his Michael (Tony) brother‑in‑law.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 7th at Sturgis Church of the Nazarene, 70031 S. Lakeview, Sturgis, MI 49091. The service will take place from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to come share memories, offer support, and honor Cody’s life.
Cody’s family takes comfort in knowing he is reunited with loved ones who passed before him. Until Valhalla, brother—rest peacefully. Give Mom a hug when you see her.
His memory will live on in the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the love he gave so freely.
Arrangements by Family First Funeral & Cremations Services.
