Gary French

Gary D. French, 70, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Saturday, September 10, 2016 at home. A private memorial service for the family will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Assoc. or Hospice at Home. Gary was born November 15, 1945 in Portageville, MO to Jesse & Maye (Pruett) Dye.  Gary attended Benton Harbor High School and Lake Michigan College.  He loved deer hunting with his brothers, uncles, and father in Baldwin, MI and visiting casino’s throughout the state of Michigan.  He was previously employed as an over the road truck driver at Dwan’s Moving and Storage, Helena Chemical and UAP.  He retired as a driver for Kirsh Carton in Benton Harbor. Gary is survived by his children, Tracy (Mike) Ikola of Stevensville, Rita (Mel) Musall of South Bend, IN, and Erik (Tracey) French of Rochester, IN; brothers, Jesse Dye and James Dye of St. Joseph; sisters, Shirley Pipkins of Philcampbel, AL, and Judy (Tom) Jones of Coloma; grandchildren, Jake and Sara Ikola of Stevensville; his companion, Sharon Blakeman and her children, Phillip (Tina) Blakeman and Matthew (Rebecca) Blakeman and their children. He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly; his parents; brother, Bill French; sister, Mary Brown; his grandson, Zachary Ikola; niece, Michelle French, and nephew, Michael French.