Byron Newell Ives

Byron "Barney" N. Ives, age 69, of Decatur passed away Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 27, 2016, at home with his family at his side.  He was born July 26, 1947, in Paw Paw, the son of the late Ivan and Iris (Newell) Ives.  Barney was a life-long resident of Decatur, Michigan.  He graduated from Decatur High School in 1965.  He joined the U.S. Army immediately following graduation and served in the Vietnam Conflict and then was stationed in Germany.  Upon return from the Vietnam conflict, he came home and married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Kusmack on August 3, 1968, in Paw Paw and was blessed with 52 years of marriage.  Also surviving are 2 children, Krista (Arthur) Ives-Garcia of Lawton and David (Kaitlin) Ives of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Aiden, Israel, and Jude Ives, Austin and Jenna Garcia; siblings, Connie (Bob) Johnson of Decatur, MI, Richard (Catherine Deceased) Ives of Dewitt, MI, Betty Turk of Decatur, MI and Sandra (Kim) Hull of Decatur, MI; many nieces and nephews.  Barney was employed by ADT Officer and then Chief of the Decatur Police Department, Upjohn Company Security, and finally for Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer until his retirement.  Barney enjoyed helping and serving his community.  He was a 35 year member in the Decatur-Hamilton fire Department, including serving as Chief.  He enjoyed spending time conducting Fire Prevention and Safety for the students.  He was also instrumental in bringing former resident, ventriloquist Edgar Bergen back to Decatur to help the town celebrate its salute to the nation's Bicentennial.  Barney loved spending time with his grandchildren, following Detroit Tigers baseball and letting his wife chauffeur him around the town.  A most sincere thank you to our earthly angels: Rebecca, Bobbie, Laurie, and the members of the Southwest Michigan Hospice team.  Family will receive friends Sunday, October 2, 2016, 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home Paw Paw.  Funeral services will be held Monday 11 a.m. at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Robertson of Townline United Methodist Church officiating.  Luncheon will be held immediately following military honors at the Decatur V.F.W. Post #6248, of which Barney was a life time member.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Southwest Michigan or ASPCA.