John McCarley

John (Johnnie) Michael McCarley passed away at his home in Buchanan on Saturday, February 14, 2015. John was born in Benton Harbor, MI on October 6th, 1945 to Dalton and Lottie McCarley. He graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1964. He was a police officer for the City of Benton Harbor and the City of Phoenix, Arizona in the late 60’s thru early 70’s. He went on to become a truck driver for several years traveling all across the US. He returned to law enforcement and retired from the Friend of the Court in 2005. He then continued to drive truck, traveling with his wife until he retired again in 2012. He is survived by his loving wife Michelle whom he married in 2012; 2 daughters: Kerry (Dale) Mihlhauser of St. Joseph, MI and Kim McCarley of South Bend, IN; 2 step-sons: Chris (Charlie) Fulbright of Battle Creek and Nick (Sarah) Williams of Stevensville and a sister – Shirley (Cleland) Ezell of Lawrenceburg, TN.  6 grandchildren-Jordan McCarley, Josh Thompson, Krista Blaylock, Kasey (Andy ) Holmes, Natalie & Sapheara Williams; and 2 great-grandchildren-Isabella Holmes & Noah McCarley. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Saturday, March 14 from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Donations may be made to the family in c/o Kerry Mihlhauser or United Federal Credit Union.  Those wishing to sign John’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. John loved to ride his Harley, fly planes and attend air shows such as the Osh-Kosh EAA Fly-In in Wisconsin. He will be thought of and missed dearly by all those who knew him.