George Vance Harpole, Jr., of Niles

Published 9:18 am Friday, November 14, 2014

May 16, 1947 — Nov. 10, 2014

George Vance Harpole, Jr., 67, of Niles, Michigan died on Monday, Nov. 10, 2014 at his home unexpectedly, but of natural causes. He was born May 16, 1947 in Manchester, Tennessee to George Varis and Opal Irene (Posey) Harpole, Sr.

George Vance Harpole, Jr.

George Vance Harpole, Jr.

George was a 1966 graduate of Niles High School and a veteran of the Vietnam Era, serving with the United States Navy. He was a member of Saint Mark Catholic Church in Niles and was retired from Chariot Vans Incorporated in Elkhart, Indiana.

George was a welder by trade and could fix anything. He enjoyed his firearms and hunting, riding his Harley Davidson and spent his spare time watching The Three Stooges shows and military-related movies. Above all, George was a family man and supported his girls with all their endeavors.

On Oct. 6, 1984 in South Bend, George married the former Janice Derda. She survives with their daughters, Rachael (Keith) Harpole and Monica Harpole, all of Niles. Also surviving is one brother, Everett Lane (Patricia) Harpole of Plainwell, Michigan.

The Mass of Christian Burial for George Vance Harpole, Jr. will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014 at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Niles by The Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C. of the parish assisted by Brother Dennis Meyers, C.S.C. Committal Rites will follow at Mission Hills in Niles and will conclude with military honors.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with recitation of The Rosary at 4:30 p.m.

Donations in memory of George may be made to Saint Mark Catholic Church, Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com