John Mason Converse III, 78, of Union City, passed away Monday, December 16, 2019 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.
A memorial service will be held at
12:00 Noon Friday, December 20, 2019 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 114
E Minges Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49015, with Rev. Brad
Hubbard officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 PM Thursday,
December 19, 2019 at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation, 1276 Tate Trail in
Union City.
John (a.k.a. “J.M.”) was born on November 20, 1941 in Lansing to John M. and Jeanne (Mann) Converse II. He grew up in Union City, where he graduated from high school in 1959. John went on to attend Michigan State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in teaching.
On March 3, 1973, he married the former Margaret A. “Margie” Martyn in Detroit.
John spent his entire teaching career at Colon High School, where he taught math, science and technology, as well as coached football and wrestling. He was a skilled negotiator for the teachers union there for 12 years.
John was well read and conversationally a good storyteller and talented debater. He partnered with his dad to run the family’s Burlington Township Centennial Farm, with his number one goal to preserve it for the next generation.
A teacher both in and apart from school, John hired young men who “needed direction” to work summers on the farm. He consistently rooted for the underdog and served as an adopted father role model for many kids who responded positively to his extra guidance.
John loved sports and watching his children and grandchildren compete. He coached his sons when they were in the Harper Creek Wrestling Club. He tried never to miss any games or other activities, even when they were in other states.
John retired from teaching in 1993 and transitioned to assisting coaching football in Union City until 2011. Football, family and farming remained his lifelong interests.
Survivors include John’s wife of 46 years, Margie; his children, Mason (Courtney) Converse of Union City, Peter (Sara) Converse of Burlington, Catherine Converse of Union City and Shawn Crandall of Leesville, LA; grandchildren, Cameron, Logan, Austin, Rowan and Emma; and a brother, Kyle Converse of Thompsonville.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Warren Converse; and an infant brother, Frank.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.
