Harry Richard Avery, Jr.

Harry Richard Avery, Jr. of Caro, age 77, passed away suddenly on Friday, February 14, 2020 at his home. Harry was born August 19, 1942 in Harbor Beach, the son of the late Harry & Lucille (Birk) Avery. Nearly his entire life was spent living in Caro and he graduated from Caro High School with the class of 1961. He was united in marriage with the former Delphine Schafer on February 5, 1966 in Caro, and she survives. Harry was mechanically inclined and loved racing muscle cars, which made his first job in auto body repair a natural fit. In 1968, he began a thirty-three-year career with the State of Michigan at the Caro Regional Center, first as a resident care aide and ultimately retiring from the transportation department in 2001. Not able to sit still for long, he began mowing the lawn shortly after for St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro, a job he was already making plans to continue this spring. His character was defined by his honesty and helpfulness, and a handshake that left an impression. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather that loved attending whatever sporting event his grandchildren were participating in. Harry loved to garden and found nearly as much enjoyment protecting his produce from the deer that recognized his good work. He was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro and also enjoyed camping and spending his retirement years traveling with his beloved Delphine. In addition to his wife of fifty-four-years, Delphine, Harry is survived by two children and their spouses, James & Jill Avery of Sunfield, Marcy & Matt Campbell of Caro; five grandchildren and their spouses, Jeremy & Kate Avery of Dimondale, Jenna & Brian Olmstead of Belmont, Mason, Miles and Meadow Campbell, all of Caro; great-grandchild, Rowan Avery of Dimondale; one sister and her husband, Sharon & Francis DeLong of Cass City; brother, Lee Avery of Caro; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his son, Michael Avery in 1991. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. Burial will follow the service at the Indianfields Township Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday at the church 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. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro. Visitation Information Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2020 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 Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2020 Time: 11:00 am St. Paul Lutheran Church-Caro Address: 503 South State St. Caro, MI 48723 9896732175 | Map Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2020 Indianfields Township Cemetery Address: 989-673-2428 | Map Burial will follow the service at the Indianfields Township Cemetery.