Seward Lightner, Jr.

Seward "Bubs" Lightner Jr., 91, of Hartford passed away Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville.

A visitation will be at the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, including a brief service to be officiated by Brian Lightner of the Hartford United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hartford. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

"Bubs", as he was dubbed by his sister, Jean when they were just children, and how he was known by most acquaintances and family, was born May 17, 1927 to Seward and Mary Agnes (Finley) Lightner in Benton Harbor.

After growing up in Hartford, he graduated from Hartford High School in 1945 before serving two years in the United States Army in Europe.

On June 30, 1951, in St. Joseph, he married Virginia Ruth Johnson and they shared 38 years together until her death in 1989.

During his working years, "Bubs" was employed at various times by the Pere Marquette Railroad as a section hand, the Whirlpool Corporation, the Gobles Bank, and the Hartford Post Office.

"Bubs" favorite past times were reading books on American history, especially World War II, and watching movies from the 1930's & 40's on the Turner Class Movie channel.

Survivors include his son, Mark (Debby) Lightner of Hartford; brothers: David Lightner of Florida and Gary (Susanne) Lightner of North Carolina; step-grandchildren: Christie (Greg) Boxer of Adrian and Jeff (Maggie) Fitzgerald of Redmond, Wash.; four step-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his step mother, Mildred Lightner (who was mom to "Bubs" from the age of 12); wife, Virginia; sister, Veronica "Jean" Sikkenga and nieces: Laura Cunningham and Linda Johnson.