Alexander B. "Ike" Usborne

Alexander B. "Ike" Usborne, died on November 26, 2013 in Hastings, Michigan.

Ike was born the youngest of eight children on Christmas Eve, 1924, to John and Elma Verde (Knowles) Usborne in Carlton Twp., Barry Co., Michigan. He grew up on the family farm, and  graduated from Hastings High School in 1942.

He worked on the farm after graduation, until he enlisted in the Marine Corp. in October, 1943 to serve in World War II. After completing basic training, he was sent by troop ship to the South Pacific, spending two weeks on the seas until the ship landed in New Caledonia in February of 1944. He served in the Marine detachment of the commander of the South Pacific (Admiral "Bull" Halsey) for 21 months before returning stateside. He was discharged in March of 1946.

After discharge he worked at General Motors in the forge plant, and later went to work for the state of Michigan as a corrections officer in Ionia, Michigan for 27 years.

On October 2, 1953, he married the former Phyllis Lauraine Sheffield; she survives. They celebrated their sixtieth anniversary this fall. Ike learned to love hunting and fishing from his older brother, Gordon, as a young child. He remembers "helping" his brother by kicking up pheasants during hunting trips. As an adult, he enjoyed going on fly fishing expeditions to Canada, accompanied at times by nephews, son-in-law, step-grandsons and his two daughters. He taught his daughters to fish, making sure they learned to bait their own hooks and take off their own fish. In 1966, he won third place in the Mort Neff "Michigan Outdoor" Big Buck Contest, receiving two snowmobile suits as prizes.

He was also an avid gardener, allowing his wife to fill the freezer and pantry with the spoils, and supplying neighbors and relatives with fresh green beans, tomatoes, squash and corn. This is a passion he passed onto his daughters; they often competed to see who had the first, biggest and best tomatoes. Ike usually won.

After retirement he broadened his love of music by seeking out records of the 50's and 60's at garage sales. He often taped the tunes he liked best to play in private so he could listen to the "good" music. Reading history accounts of World War II events and people and subsequently sharing with other veterans gave him many hours of enjoyment. He and his wife often traveled by car, bus, train, plane and cruise ships - near and far. However, he was most comfortable at home amongst family and friends.

He also enjoyed playing with his granddaughters and taking them to lunch at local restaurants. He was close to his family, and was considered an expert euchre player, like his father. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, generosity and devotions to his family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Robin Mercy Usborne and Amy Leigh Usborne (Stan Thieman), granddaughters, Jessie Rose Millsap (fiance' Matt Bowen) and Mary Kate Millsap, step-grandsons, Andrew (Katy) Thieman and Daniel (Christen) Thieman and great-grandson, Jack Thieman, numerous nieces and nephews, special friend, Duane Endres and endearing family, Nick, Kathy and Taylor Carter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mercy, Greta, Jessie (Elwell), Mildred (Pyle) and Wilma (Wilson); brothers, Gordon and John.

Honoring his wishes cremation has taken place.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions to Pennock Hospice, 1230 W. State St., Hastings, MI 49058 will be appreciated.