Volney "Pard" G. Southgate

Volney "Pard" G. Southgate, age 81, of Unionville, passed away with his family by his side on Monday, November 21, 2011 at Bay Regional Medical Center in Bay City. Volney was born April 22, 1930 in Unionville, MI to the late Gerald W. and Mabel Ann (Gainforth) Southgate. He was inducted into the United States Army October 18, 1951 and was honorably discharged as a CPL E-4 on October 17, 1959. He married Bonna Jean Horst on April 16, 1955 at the Akron Methodist Church. He retired after 33 years at Dow Chemical – Plastic Line Pipe in Bay City, working in the warehouse. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion (Gateway) Post # 421 in Unionville and a lifetime member of the VFW Post #7486 in Fairgrove, and a member of the Elks Lodge in Bay City. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife Bonna J. (Horst) Southgate; his loving children: Lynn (Cindy) Southgate, Rona (Rick) Mehl, Brian (Teri) Southgate, and Barry (friend Lisa) Southgate. He is the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 5 step great grandchildren. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Southgate.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald & Mabel Southgate, sister, Mamie (Norman) Ball and brother, Durward Southgate.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Juengel & Mellendorf Funeral Home, in Sebewaing, from 2-9pm.

The funeral service will be Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at Wisner United Methodist Church, 5375 Vassar Rd., Akron, MI 48701. Visiting will begin at the church at 10am until the time of service begins at 11am. Pastor William Sanders will be officiating.

Burial will take place at Demorest Cemetery in Akron Twp. immediately following the service.

Memorial donations may be made to American Legion Post # 421 in Unionville, the VFW Post # 7486 in Fairgrove, or the Wisner United Methodist Church in Akron.