of Chelsea, Michigan, died Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at age 70. He was born February 28, 1955 in Freeport, Texas, the son of Gray Merriam and Electra Jane (Easton) Gorton.
In 1963 at age eight, Paul moved with his family from Texas to Midland, MI, where he later raised his daughters in the same house where he grew up. Paul graduated from Midland High School in 1973, where he participated in wrestling and ran track. He joined the Navy in 1975, where he served on submarines as a sonar operator, and was discharged in 1978. Paul then attended Michigan State University where he studied Political Science, Sociology, and Economics. Somewhere between the Navy and college, Paul took some time off to follow the Grateful Dead on tour. In 1986, he was employed by the Michigan Department of Corrections, where he worked for 33 years. While working for Corrections, Paul met Yvonne Wickey, and they were married on January 19, 1991 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Paul rode a cobalt blue long edition FLH Harley-Davidson, and was a lifetime member of the Harley Owners Group. He participated in the Big Brothers program, volunteered for Special Olympics Michigan, and was an accomplished martial artist, achieving a black belt in Kuk Sool Won. Paul loved to travel with his family all over the U.S. and beyond. Paul was a kind and gentle soul with a great sense of humor. He could fix anything, gave great advice, and was absolutely devoted to his family.
David C. Howard of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Saginaw and Dexter, age 89, died Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born September 21, 1936, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of Claude S. & Helen (Stopher) Howard.
Dave graduated from Ft. Wayne Southside High School in 1954. He met Mary Ann Hasty at Ball State Teachers' College where he received his BA in Social Science/Economics/English and eventually earned his MA degree in Economics from Indiana University, in 1965. Dave served in the Indiana National Guard. He taught Economics at Delta College in University Center, MI (near Saginaw/Bay City). Dave & Mary Ann volunteered together at Habitat for Humanity, which was a love of theirs to give back to their community. They were long time members of State Street United Methodist Church in Saginaw, before relocating to the Dexter/Chelsea area of SE Michigan. Dave was always very active in the United Methodist Church.
of Grass Lake, Michigan, age 83, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at her home in Grass Lake. She was born March 24, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Joseph Edward and Edith Jane (Forbes) O'Malley. JoAnn worked as an Assembler for General Motors before retiring after 30 years. She and Syd moved to Arizona for 3½ years before coming back to Michigan. They would return to Arizona for the winters until 2019. She was a member of the Napoleon United Methodist Church. Jo Ann enjoyed bowling and quilting with her sister.
On October 17, 1992, she married Sydney “Syd” Palmer and he survives. JoAnn is survived by a son, William Westenbarger of Garden City; a daughter, Martha (JB) Bellew of Mandeville, Louisiana; five grandchildren: Joshua, Lisa, Sharon, Christine, and Jonathan; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Michael O'Malley; and sister, Molly Harder. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Sharon Schwab and Kay Beasley.
Oren Bruce Lovely of Dexter, Michigan, age 84, passed away Monday, October 27, 2025, at Michigan Medicine after a short illness. He was born September 2, 1941, in Grayling, Michigan, the son of Dennis Joseph and Alice Louisa (Ervin) Lovely.
of Chelsea, Michigan, age 96, passed away Monday, October 27, 2025, in Chelsea surrounded by his family. He was born October 21, 1929, in Evanston, Illinois, the son of Rev. Robert Harlow & Opal Sarah (Seeber) Benedict, Sr.