LEARST, MELVIN J.

Melvin J. Learst, age 88, a lifetime resident of Clinton Township, died Sunday, March 15, 2009, at South Haven Community Hospital. He was born October 27, 1920, in Chatham, Ontario, Canada to Albert and Dora (Deacon) Learst. Melvin, though a Canadian, served with the 3rd U.S. Marine Raider Battalion during World War II. He was granted citizenship in 1946. Melvin married Grace Turner on August 19, 1944. Melvin worked for Michcon Gas Company for 35 years, retiring in 1986. He was preceded in death along with his parents by his son, Thomas Allen Learst who died in 1964. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eva Grace Learst of South Haven; one daughter, Joanne (David) Putman of South Haven; one granddaughter, Emily (David) Davich of Spotsylvania, Virginia. No services are scheduled at this time. The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven.