Robert Theodore Vesey

Robert T. Vesey, age 98, of Paw Paw, passed away Monday December 18, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. Robert has been a Paw Paw resident for 51 years. Captain Bob was a father of 8, grandfather of 19 and great grandfather of 25.5 Bob had a distinguished 33 year career with the Michigan State Police. He was a recipient of the Michigan Medal of Valor in 1957 for exhibiting bravery during a shoot-out with a deranged individual. Two of Bob’s fellow MSP troopers were killed during the shoot-out. He retired in 1974 from the MSP. Born in Boston, MA, to Burr Wade and Adele D. Vesey, he moved to Detroit at the age of 4. Growing up in Detroit he enjoyed riding the street car to Belle Isle and to Boblo Island with his mother and siblings. He attended Detroit Tigers games with his father at Navin Field and one of Roberts claims to fame was seeing Babe Ruth play. From 1974 to 1988 he was the Juvenile Court Director for Van Buren County. He was an Ensign in the Navy Air Corp during WWII as an Aerial Navigator. Bob was a dedicated member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Paw Paw. He was also a Van Buren Hospice volunteer. Bob enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a smooth dancer, especially with the love of his life, Dorothy. He enjoyed woodworking and helping family members whenever there was a need.

Bob is survived by his children, Kathleen Joy (Richard) Elkins-Peterson, R. Theodore (Joan) Vesey, David (Diane) Vesey, John (Donna) Vesey, Joseph (Pam DaVan) Vesey, Georgia (David) Vesey-Watts, Laura (Paul) Higashi and Karen (Scott) Curtis, 19 grandchildren, 25.5 great grandchildren, one sister, Virginia Mundy along with many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy in 2008, his brother, Thomas Vesey, sisters, Dorothy Thayer, Adele Haack, Shirley Kermizian, Patricia Potter and his great grandson, Ruben I. Hammer.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 21, 2017 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, where a rosary service will take place at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will follow on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Paw Paw, with Father Joseph Xavier officiating. Burial will conclude Saturday morning at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids.