William Edward Southworth

William “Bill” E. Southworth, 72, of Cassopolis, passed away on Monday, July 24, 2017, at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital. Bill was born on December 13, 1944 in Paw Paw to Gordon and Stella (Gratkowski) Southworth. He graduated from Marcellus High School in 1963. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force before he was honorably discharged in 1969. His love of John Deere Tractors was shown while working as a John Deere Mechanic and Salesman. Bill then went on to work as a Tech-writer for Cook Nuclear plant before retirement. On November 8, 1975 he married the love of his life, Cheryl Fosdick, at Holy Maternity Catholic Church in Dowagiac. He was a member of the Dowagiac Moose Lodge and the VFW. Bill was an avid University of Michigan fan and enjoyed cars, golfing and playing cards with his family. He was well known for his practical jokes and willingness to help everyone. Surviving Bill are his loving wife Cheryl; children, Brian (Laurie) Southworth of Decatur, Michael (Kerry) Southworth of Lake Geneva, WI, Kim (Robert) Carson of Decatur, Jay (Whitney) Southworth of Cassopolis and Joe Southworth of Bowling Green, KY; grandchildren, Kristina, Michael, Erika, Marty, Taylor, Cole, Sean, Carly, Maureen & Jakob; two great-grandchildren; brother Jim (Sandy) Southworth of Marcellus and his beloved puppies, Brady and Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Richard Southworth. A Memorial service will be held Sunday, July 30 at 3:00PM at the Dowagiac VFW Post 1855, 427 E. Division St. Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to the Dowagiac Moose Lodge #933 or the Dowagiac VFW Post 1855.  Those wishing to sign Bill’s guestbook online may do so at www.clarkch.com.