Vernon Getts

Vernon Leroy Getts, age 85, of Greenville, passed away Wednesday morning, June 8, 2011 at his home under the loving care of his family and Heartland Hospice. The son of Ralph & Priscilla Getts, he was born on May 28, 1926 in Ionia and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. On June 30, 1951 he married the former Carol Marie Johnston and together they enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage, raised two children, and had attended the Gowen Bible Church. Vernon retired from the former Gibson Refrigerator Company as a press operator and also owned Vernons Fix-It Shop where he was a Snapper lawn mower dealer and service center. In addition, he was a skilled builder and craftsman, enjoyed steam engines and was a member of the Michigan Flywheelers Association, loved hunting and fishing, and was a life member of the Lester J. Sitts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5065 in Sheridan. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Madelyn Swarts; two brothers, Herbert Getts and Ronald Getts; and a son-in-law, Bruce Swarts. Surviving are his wife, Carol Getts of Greenville; a son, Dennis Getts of Greenville; two grandchildren, Becky Swarts and Chris Swarts; a great granddaughter, Sierra; eight brothers and sisters; many nieces and nephews; and a brother-in-law, Gary Johnston of Arizona. Visitation is Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at the Christiansen Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where funeral services will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Mark Shaw of Calvary Baptist Church will officiate and ceremonies will be concluded with military honors rendered by the U.S. Army. Burial will take place privately at Fort Custer National Cemetery near Battle Creek. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Vernon Getts, please visit our flower store.