Benny L. Sizemore

Benny L. Sizemore of Caro, age 78, passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born October 27, 1939 in Middlesboro, Kentucky, the son of the late Hiram and Ella (Rains) Sizemore. Ben, as he liked to be called, quit high school in early 1957 and joined the United States Marine Corps on March 30, 1957 and went immediately to Parris Island, South Carolina for Marine Boot Camp. During his six years of active duty, Ben completed his G.E.D. and later in his life obtained an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement and Business. Following his tour in the Marie Corps, where he was a marksmanship instructor and communications instructor, he was appointed a Deputy Sheriff in Monroe County. On January 5, 1969, Ben joined the Michigan State Police and worked at the Gaylord, Ypsilanti and Flat Rock posts. From Flat Rock, Ben was promoted to Sergeant and re-assigned to the Caro Post on March 5, 1977. On May 20, 1982, he was transferred to the Lansing Post and became the First District Trooper Pool Commander and the First District Recruiter, recruiting many fine men and women into the Michigan State Police. In June 1985, Ben was transferred to the Third District Headquarters and assigned as the Third District Emergency Management Coordinator and in 1987, was promoted to Lieutenant while assigned to the Emergency Management Division. In February of 1991, he was re-assigned as a Detective Lieutenant with the East Lansing Intelligence Division and assigned as a Crew Chief with Bay Area Narcotics Team, also known as BAYANET, until his retirement from Michigan State Police in June of 1993. On October 29, 1983, Ben and the former Shirley Jacobs were united in marriage in Lansing. In 1985, Ben and Shirley moved back to Caro. He was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church in Caro, the Theron W. Atwood, Sr. American Legion Post #7, lifetime member of the NRA and a member of the Marine Corps Association. Ben is survived by his loving wife of nearly thirty-five years, Shirley Sizemore of Caro; three children, Denise Doom and her husband, Kelvin, of Erie, Adam Sizemore of Monroe, Esther Wilson of Monroe; sister, Patsy Vanderpool and son Randy, daughters Ronda and Vicky of Monroe; step-sons, Randy (Brenda) Dunham and Thomas (Anne) Dunham of Caro; nine grandchildren; Ryan, Brad, Kelli, Ben, Cory, Lacey, Christian, Ashley and Tyler; sister-in-law Georganne Sizemore; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by three brothers, Donald, Clyde and Bobby Sizemore. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church in Caro with Rev. Jerzy Dobosz officiating. Burial with military honors afforded by the Caro American Legion Post #7 and the U.S. Marine Corps will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Caro. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to St. Christopher Parish in Caro or the Donor's Favorite Charity. Visitation Information Date: Monday, October 8, 2018 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Time: 11:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church site Address: 140 Atwood St. Caro, MI 48723 Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church in Caro with Rev. Jerzy Dobosz officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Sacred Heart Cemetery Address: 350 Ellington St Caro, MI 48723 Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Caro.