Harold Webb

Harold “Tooter” Webb, age 72, departed his extraordinary life on July 8, 2013, in the sanctuary of his beloved home surrounded by his family. Tooter was born on October, 22, 1940 in Portland, TN. He was a 1959 graduate of New Buffalo High School. He worked as a Railroad engineer for forty years for CSX Railroad. After retirement he was able to thoroughly enjoy time with his family and countless friends. Retirement also afforded him the time to maintain his homestead and manicure the grounds on which his home was situated. There was nothing Tooter loved more than to be outdoors mowing lawn, landscaping, and hunting the moles which unearthed his perfect yard. Tooter was larger than life and anyone who ever met him adored him. He had a keen way of story-telling and a terrific sense of humor. He leaves behind his devout wife, Sandra, whom he married on June 2, 1962. Tooter and Sandy were able to commemorate fifty years of wedded bliss in 2012. Tooter and Sandy were soul mates and had a phenomenal fifty-one year marriage. In his final days especially, he wanted Sandy by his side every minute. Also surviving are three loving daughters, Andrea (Donald) White of Paw Paw, MI, Felicia (Charles Stone) of Mishawaka, IN, and Melissa Webb of Chesterfield, MI. The pinnacle of Tooter’s life were his four wonderful grandchildren, Evan White and Abby White of Paw, Paw, MI, Cassie Webb of Mishawaka, IN, and Dominic Myles-Webb of Chesterfield, MI. Additional survivors are two brothers, Donald (Judy) Webb of Cookevillle, TN, and Chester (Pat) Webb of Michigan City, IN. He is also survived by countless nieces and nephews who all adored “Uncle Tooter.” He was preceded in death by his parents, George Webb and Audney Hester Webb as well as a brother, George Webb, and a sister, Francis Tidwell. Tooter’s loss is also felt deeply by his special brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Sharon Stella who were both instrumental in helping supplement his day to day needs in his final months. To know Tooter was a privilege. He was kind, funny, enigmatic, and larger than life. He was known to most everyone in New Buffalo. It was never difficult to locate Tooter as if you needed him, you could drive by Willard St. and find him mowing his lawn on his tractor or sitting at the picnic table in his yard with family and friends. He also loved to bake. At Christmas time he would prepare dozens and dozens of homemade cookies, all meticulously arranged, and he would give them as gifts. He once owned a 57 Chevy which he kept in pristine condition and he often reflected on the fond memories he had driving and owning that vehicle. In the last few years he loved to go to the Four Winds Casino to get his weekly “free” gifts so that he could give those gifts to his grandchildren for their college dorms and apartments. He also enjoyed visiting and reminiscing with his many railroad buddies. Special thanks to the staff at Hospice of Home, St. Joseph, MI, who enabled Tooter to transition into his eternal life with dignity while remaining in his home. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in Tooter’s memory to the Michiana Humane Society. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, July 12, 11:00 AM, with Father Kevin Covert officiating, at the Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, New Buffalo. Visitation is on Thursday from 4:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence for the family may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com