Mr. Calvin Gant

Mr. Calvin Gant passed away Friday morning, July 4, 2008 at Borgess Medical Center. Mr. Gant was born December 18, 1933 in East Chicago, Indiana. He was the son of Edward Louis Gant, Sr. and Virgie Mae Gant-Harris. Mr. Gant built a legacy on the importance of spiritual guidance, receiving Christ early in life and demonstrating his faith through his actions. He took and accepted personal responsibility for his family by maintaining a strong committed relationship with his wife and teaching his sons and daughters to become productive and successful men and women. He gave an open heart to those in need for monetary support, an ear to listen or sound advice to guide a decision. Walking the talk he demonstrated high work ethics by his willingness to work three to five jobs to provide for his family and extended family. He accomplished a successful 37 year career with Consumers Energy working in the Gas Service Department until he retired in 1997. He was affiliated with many organizations in the community such as Douglass Community Association, Esquire Club, The National Association of Educational Advancement, and Kalamazoo Public School Parent Teacher Association. He was a kind, gentle and jovial soul who was loved by many. The world will truly miss the presence of Mr. Calvin Gant. Farewell to a devoted son, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and friend! He was preceded in death by his father Edward Gant Sr., his mother Virgie Gant-Harris; his brothers Leroy Gant, Rudolph Gant, Edward Gant Jr., Doris Gant, Dennis Harris and Larry Harris; his wife Patricia A. Gant; granddaughter Ashley Gant and grandson Terrell Jackson. He leaves to cherish his loving memory his seven children, Brenda Moncrief, Catherine Gant (Don Idahosa), Kevin Gant, all of Kalamazoo, MI, Ronald Gant (Carol), Christopher Gant (Aisha) of Houston, TX, Michael Gant of Kansas City, KS, Stephen Gant of Houston, TX; his brother Gene Gant (Ivory) of Kalamazoo; his sisters, Carol Crawley of Dowagiac, MI and Shirley Harris-Ward of Kalamazoo, MI; brother-in-laws William Bradley (Anne), and Edward Bradley (Joan); sister-in-laws Florence Gant of Gary, IN, Carol Gant-Fowlkes of Kalamazoo, MI and Connie Wilson of Plymouth, MN; 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; 21 nieces and 22 nephews; a close and dearly beloved friend Bernard Hairston who was always there; and a host of relatives and good friends. At Mr. Calvin Gant’s request cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at Harper Funeral Home, 521 Douglas Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, with Pastor Addis Moore officiating. A private graveside service will follow in Mt. Everest Cemetery (North), Kalamazoo, MI with Elder Osmond L. Pearson officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend a “GANT Family Style Barbecue” in honor of Mr. Calvin Gant, at 3225 Cranbrook, Kalamazoo, Michigan , following services. Please bring a dish to pass, ok to drop off on Friday or before memorial services Saturday at 3225 Cranbrook, Kalamazoo , MI. Memorials may be directed to P.O. Box 20026, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49019-1026 . The family of Calvin Gant would like to acknowledge and express our deepest gratitude to all for their heartfelt sympathy in our time of bereavement. In Jesus name may God bless all of you for your acts of kindness.

Mr. Calvin Gant

December 18, 1933 - July 4, 2008