Phillip F. Caverno

Phillip F. Caverno, 92, of St. Joseph, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday at First United Methodist Church, 3003 Leco Ct., St. Joseph, with Rev. Wade Panse officiating. Burial of ashes will take place at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Berrien County Cancer Service. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mr. Caverno was born August 5, 1913 in Canalou, Missouri to Jere & Ethel (Fleming) Caverno, Sr. He married the former Marie Marshall before serving his country during WWII in the United States Army Air Corp. He 1950, he moved to St. Joseph from Galesburg, IL and was employed for many years as a watch maker & repairman for a local jewelry store on State St. in St. Joseph. Phillip retired from Whirlpool where he was employed for 20 years. He was preceded in death by his first wife Marie in 1987. On July 18, 1990, he married the former Leola Salmons in Charlevoix, MI. She preceded him in September of 2000. Phillip was a member of First United Methodist Church, and the St. Joseph Masonic Lodge #437. He was an active member of OES, America Chapter #234. He held offices at both the local and state level, and spent much time traveling across Michigan fulfilling his duties. In his spare time, Phil enjoyed fishing.Phillip is survived by his brother John (Ethel) Caverno of Litchfield Park, AZ; two nephews; one niece; one grand nephew; four grand nieces; his step daughter Norma (Paul) Kirchner of Baroda; his step-son-in-law E. Lee Benson of St. Joseph; two step grandchildren and three step great grandchildren. In addition to two wives, Phillip was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-Arthur Caverno & Jere Caverno, Jr.; and two sisters-Julia & Frances Caverno.