Big Rapids – Harold W. “Bunk” Carver, 81, a lifetime resident of Big Rapids, died peacefully in Holiday, Florida, on January 10, 2008.

He was born June 11, 1926, in Alma, the son of Everett and Hazel (Fitzgerald) Carver.  Harold attended school in the “bloody” Third Ward and was a member of the “BRHS class of 45”.  As a veteran of the Korean War, he served in the United States Army.

Harold graduated from Western Michigan College and the Michigan Veterans Vocational School in 1955. He was employed by Northern Office Machines of Cadillac and eventually owned and operated Carver’s Office Machines in Big Rapids.  After many years as a local business man he accepted a position with the United States Postal Service as a rural carrier until his retirement in 1988.

Harold’s lineage to early settlers (1800’s) of the Big Rapids Community is extensive. His paternal and maternal grandparents respectively, were Charles W. (Amanda Stockwell) and William E. (Mary Van Gilder) Fitzgerald, who settled on tracts of land in western Big Rapids Township.  All of the families lived within a radius of a few miles from each other. The early settlers built a school and a church on what became the Van Gilder Community out West Avenue.  Not far from this tract of land is the Historical Centennial Farm of the Fitzgerald’s.  The other Centennial Farm family, the Carver’s, were musicians who also provided musical entertainment at the old Grange Hall where all of the families would meet for social gatherings.

Harold was member of several veterans’ organizations, including the Harry K. Kunzie American Legion Post #98.  He served as Post Commander twice and was an active member for over 60 years.  In his younger days he was nicknamed “Bunk” and worked with many friends at the Liberty Dairy.  He also taught roller-skating and was an ardent fisherman of the Tri-Lakes area.  After his retirement from the USPA, he and Jane traveled throughout the United States and wintered near Tarpon Springs, Florida.

His wife, Lora Jane Carver, preceded him in death on October 25, 1997.  Surviving are his children Connie Randle-Morcom of Big Rapids, Mary J. (Travis) McCullum of Eureka, Illinois, Carol R. (Keiven) Trombley of Midland, Nancy K. Taylor (Todd) of Goshen, Indiana, and Charles “Chuck” Carver of Grand Rapids; his grandchildren Nicole Adams, Eric Randle, Josh Adams, Jordan Trombley, Chance Trombley, Ryan Taylor, Ashley Taylor and Alexis Carver.  He was also blessed with three great grandchildren, Gabriella and William Lallement, and Austin Randle. Harold was preceded in death by his parents.  ? ?Funeral Services will take place at 11:00am, Friday, January 18th, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Rev. John Bookshaw officiating.  Interment will be in the Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids.  Memorial contributions in Harold’s name to Florida Suncoast Hospice, or locally to Heartland Hospice, may be left in care of the funeral home, where his family will greet friends on Thursday from ?2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m, and prior to services on Friday.

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