Clair “Bud” Large, 96

Clair N. “Bud” Large, age 96, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, at Thurston Woods Village.
He was born Nov. 11, 1921, in Sturgis, a son of the late Clair J. and Elsie Mae (Noel) Large.
Clair was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1940 and had been a resident of Sturgis his entire life.
On Jan. 6, 1944, he married Norma Lee Rhoads in Sturgis. She preceded him in death June 16, 2016, after 72 years of marriage.
Clair was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1942-1948 during World War II and earning the rank of MM2.
He retired from the Sturgis post office in 1972, then worked for Finnerman’s John Deere and for Keys Trailor Industries for four years.
Clair was a member of First United Methodist Church and enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and the golf league he was on for many years at St. Joe Valley Golf Course.
Surviving are a daughter, Trudy (Allan) Murk, and a son, Timothy (Charlene) Large, both of Sturgis; five grandchildren, Barbara Murk, Marty (Melissa) Murk, Kyle (Casey) Murk, Michael (Maribel) Large and Cindy (Ron) Buzuleciu; 10 great-grandchildren, Christopher, Kelsi, Jorden, Nicole, Matthew, Rachael, Ivy, Aspen, Cameron and Mae; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a son, Thomas Glen Large; a brother, Richard Large; and a sister, Edith Lockwood.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service celebrating the life of Clair N. “Bud” Large will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis, with the Rev. Jeanne Garza of First United Methodist Church officiating.
Full military honors will be conferred by U.S. Navy Honor Guard and Capt. John J. Kelley V.F.W. Post #1355.
The family suggests memorial donations be directed to First United Methodist Church, 200 Pleasant Ave, Sturgis, MI 49091.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.