John M. Sweeney, 88, of Carrol Street in Buchanan and formerly of Monroe Street in Niles, died Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Lakeland Specialty Hospital in Berrien Center Michigan following an extended illness.

He was born on May 31, 1921 in Summerset Ky. to parents Ernest Sweeney and Lula Nelson and came to Niles in 1947 after having been in East Chicago Ill.

A member of the New Vision Apostolic Church in Niles and a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in World War II, he was also involved in Civilian Conservation Camp and enjoyed farming, hunting and fishing.

In 1986, he retired from General Motors Corp. in Three Rivers after several years of service.
On June 29, 1947 he married Phyllis J. (Zimmerman) Sweeney who preceded him in death on June 6, 2003. He was also preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

Surviving family includes a son, Wayne (Kathleen) Sweeney of Buchanan and daughter Judy Taylor of Johnson City, Tenn., eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Ruth Ellefson of Paris Tenn. and Sylvia Sletzer of Tucson Ariz.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 19 2010 at the New Vision Apostolic Church in Niles with the Elder Carlton Burrel of New Vision — an Apostolic Faith Assembly officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Halbritter Funeral Home.

Burial will take place at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church or the donor’s choice.