John Riley Utter

John Riley Utter, 70, of Lawrence passed away suddenly on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at his home.

John was born May 11, 1942, in Lawrence, the son of Riley and Marvil (Ruple) Utter, both of whom preceded him in passing. John was also preceded in passing by his three sisters, Jean Hafer, Mary Garland and Alice Long; and two brothers, Leslie Utter and Clarence Utter.

John graduated from Lawrence High School in 1960. He entered the U.S. Army in 1964 and served his country proudly during the Vietnam War. On March 1, 1969, he married Mary Sill. They have one daughter, Janet, and they survive along with a sister, Patricia Stillwell of Dowagiac; two brothers, Max Utter of Montana and Richard (Geri) Utter of Kalkaska; a sister-in-law, Grace (Parks) Wilson of Marcellus; a brother-in-law, Robert Hafer of Manistee; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins nieces and nephews.

John was devoted to his community, as shown by his many years of serving on the Lawrence Township Fire Department, being on the Lawrence Ox Roast committee and being on the Lawrence Township Board. John also was a member of Hess-Eastman Post 174 of Lawrence, the Lawrence Lions Club, the Black River Amateur Radio Club and two antique tractor clubs.

The family will welcome friends from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. The service to honor his memory will commence at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Hartford United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ronald Hansen officiating. Burial will follow at Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, where military rites will be performed by Hess-Eastman Post 174. Those wishing to make memorial contributions in John's name may do so by giving to ALS Research or to the donor's choice. Those wishing to leave condolences may do so by visiting our web site at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.