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Durward E. Haven
Born: 1/14/1920
Died: 1/8/2018
Age: 97
Community: Montrose, MI
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Haven, Durward E. - Of Montrose, age 6 days shy of 98, died Monday, January 8, 2018 surrounded by family members at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Thursday, January 11, 2018 at the Montrose United Methodist Church, Rev. Hal Phillips officiating with burial in Montrose Township Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2 - 9 PM and at the church on Thursday from 10 AM until the time of service.
Durward Eugene Haven, a lifelong resident of Montrose, was born on January 14, 1920 (on his mother’s birthday) to the late Eugene and Helen (Alexander) Haven. At the age of 6, Durward lost his father to an illness. His mother remarried, and the late George McDowell became his step-father.
Durward married Birdena E. Smith on December 31, 1943. She preceded him in death in 2005. Together they raised 3 children; the late Ronald (Linda) Haven of Standish, Terry Haven of Lake Wales, Fl, and Peggy (Robert) Masser of Montrose.
Durward worked as a tool grinder at Buick, along with farming, carpentry, and masonry work. While raising his family, Durward remained very active in the community serving as president for the PTA, organizing variety and talent shows as a fund raiser for the schools. He served on the Montrose Board of Education for 19 years, holding positions of trustee, treasurer, vice-president, and president. He was instrumental in obtaining a $5 million federal grant to build the middle school, which was named after him and Howard Kuehn in 1978. Durward was also chairman of the Farm Bureau Club’s monthly meetings, cub master for the scouts, and built the first Pinewood Derby track for the scouts.
He was a member of the Montrose United Methodist Church, serving on the church board, and a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Stars. He and “Birdie” were active in a square dance club and the Michigan Travel Trailer Club. When they became “snowbirds” and started wintering in Florida at Saddlebag Lake Resort, Durward served on the church board at the resort. He was a member of the resort’s church choir, the chorus, and the kitchen band where he will be remembered for his participation in the skits! He was in charge of the resort’s weekly Euchre games and participated in many of the resort’s parades.
After he was widowed, Durward enjoyed going to the Clio and Krahpol Senior Center weekly dances. He also enjoyed his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
Durward was also preceded in death by his sister Velma Wallace, and his grandson, Eric R. Masser.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Montrose United Methodist Church.
O'Guinn Family Funeral Home
Montrose Chapel
810.639.6181 |
Copyright © 2025 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
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1/9/2018 |
| Time: |
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2:00 PM |
| Wednesday: 2-9PM |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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1/11/2018 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
| Official: |
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Rev. Hal Phillips |
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