Nelson George ROOT

ROOT, Nelson George - Age 97, of Durand, died August 22, 2013. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Monday, August 26 at St. Michaels Catholic Church of Maple Grove, 17994 Lincoln Rd., New Lothrop. Fr. Nicholas Coffaro celebrant. Interment in Montrose Cemetery. Visitation will be held 9-11 AM at the church Monday. Those desiring may make contributions to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, the March of Dimes, or McLaren Hospice. ãï¿Â½,ï¿Â½ï¿Â½,ï¿Â½ He was born in Montrose on January 16, 1916 the son of George and Pauletta (Crocker) Root. He married Marjorie Sullivan on Sept. 6, 1946; she preceded him in death February 22, 2003. Surviving are 5 sons, Timothy of Byron, Thomas (Ilene) of Durand, Robert of Evart, Mark of Durand and Nelson (Carol) of Bancroft. 4 daughters, Marjorie (Bob) Beckers of Linden, Karen (Greg) McClure of Dewitt, Charlene (William) VanEechoutte of New Lothrop and Theresa of Grand Blanc; son-in-law Gary (Katherine) Smothers, 21 Grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild; siblings, Laura (Dick) Haugh, Charles (Shirley) Root, Vivian, Ruth Justice; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, daughter Sharon Smothers, sister Dorothy; and 5 brothers, Asa, Bethel, Thomas, George, and William. Dad showed tremendous love and stamina throughout his entire life by assisting his mother in providing for his 10 siblings after his father's death, and then had 10 children of his own. He joined the Navy in 1943 and excelled at welding while at sea on the LST. After his stint in the Navy he went to work for Applegate's Chevrolet in Flint where he was mentored into the trade of bump and painting. In 1961, he was blessed with an opportunity to purchase Horn's Bump and Paint shop located in Flint. with a partner. They worked to build a successful business and eventually, Dad courageously spilt from Horns, in 1972, to establish Nels and Ken's. Five years later, Dad formed his own frame shop called Nels and Sons on Franklin Ave. in Flint. A few years later he retired and his sons continued working the trade he had taught them. He was so proud. Dad and Mom moved to Evart on Hicks Lake to enjoy their retirement years. They spent many happy years up north. Dad continued to work his trade at Mike's Body Shop in Marion, Mi. until 77 years old. By his actions, he has shared the virtues of hardwork and dedication to all that have known him but most importantly, to his beloved children, grandchildren, and much loved siblings. What a Trooper! He was a former member of St. Marys Catholic Church, Durand, and St. Agnes, Marion. He was very active in many aspects of the church, its committees and the Knights of Columbus. A special thanks to all at Woodhaven Assisted Living, McLaren Hospital staff and Medi lodge staff for the exceptional care and compassion of our loved one. "When your memories of me surface, know that I am with you, every morning, noon and night. And when it's time for you to go, remember you're not going...........You're coming home to me." Love Forever Tributes may shared at the obituaries page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.