Orvil Bernard Trantham

Orvil Bernard Trantham of South Haven, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at his home. He was born in Caraway, Arkansas to Willie and Mamie (Calloway) Trantham on August 20, 1923 and spent many years in his hometown of Rivervale, AR. Bernard resided in South Haven since 1948 and was a welder for Bohn Aluminum for 30 years. He married Marian (Diefenbach) on June 28, 1968 in South Haven and they shared 43 years of marriage before her passing in 2012. One of Bernard's most loved pastimes was muzzleloading. He was a member of the Grand Valley Cap and Ballers where he had many dear friends, and was the Michigan State Muzzleloading Shotgun Champion in 1994 and 2001. Bernard also loved to work with his hands building muzzleloaders, making small cottage lamps and whittling wooden flowers. He always had a garden, loved growing tomatoes and riding ATVs, and adored his many cats. During Bernard’s last 6 months, he was cared for by Patricia and Jimmy Decker, his granddaughter and her husband.

Bernard is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marian, daughters – Patti Anderson Guminski and Susan Anderson Kahoe and sons – Jimmy Anderson and Charles Henry Anderson, Jr.

He is survived by his children – Jerry (Brenda) Trantham of Tennessee, Jack (Linda) Trantham of Richland, MI, Larry (Jeanie) Trantham of Bangor, MI, Pam (Bret) Morgan and Debbie (John) Burrows both of South Haven, MI. Nineteen grandchildren and numerous great and great great grandchildren also survive.

Services are not scheduled at this time.