Edsel D. “Ed” Violette, age 81, of U.4 Lane (P.O. Box 67) Rapid River, passed away on Friday morning, November 7th, 2008 at home of an apparent heart attack.
Ed was born July 24th, 1927 in Flint, Michigan, the son of Edward and Lona (Pettit) Violette, was raised in Flint and was a graduate of Beecher High School. After his graduation, he entered and served with the Merchant Marines for three years. Ed later began his 27 year employment with the Fisher Body Division of General Motors and retired at age 56 as a maintenance supervisor. He and his wife, Patricia, relocated to the Whitefish area of Rapid River 25 years ago and they enjoyed their home on the Whitefish River for many years.
In addition to being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Escanaba, Ed was a member of the Rapid River American Legion Walter W. Cole Post #301. Being an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and coon hunting. He particularly liked to raise coon dogs and to participate in the racing events of those dogs.
|Ed Violette survivors include:
his wife of 30 years, the former Patricia A. Griffin, whom he married October 13th, 1978 in Linden, Michigan.
2 Sons-Phillipe Violette of Hudson, FLA; Edward (Janet) Violette of Fountain, FLA
5 Daughters-Kathy (Gary) Martin of Gladstone; Diane (Norvy) Violette of Hudson, FLA; Jacqueline Todd of Hermansville, MI; Sarah (Marvin) Cartwright of Gladstone; Loretta Moore of Gladstone
1 Brother- Willis Violette of Gladwin, MI
1 Sister-Patricia (Dan) Seymour of Milwaukee, WI
21 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family of Edsel “Ed” Violette will receive friends on Tuesday at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Military Rites will be conducted by the Rapid River American Legion at 3:00 p.m. Services celebrating Ed’s life will follow Military Rites on Tuesday by President Thomas Schmidt officiating. Family and friends are invited to luncheon after all services at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Escanaba. Burial will be in the Fernwood Cemetery on Wednesday. The Skradski-Boyce Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Violette family.
