Mr. Van Earl French Sr.

FRENCH, Mr. Van Earl Sr., - Age 65, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2018 at McLaren-Flint. Family hour 10:00 AM Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at First Union Baptist Church, 7004 Fleming Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM Pastor Archie Powell Host Pastor. Interment Flint Memorial Park, G-9506 N. Dort Hwy., Mt. Morris, MI. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM Tuesday. Mr. French will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Monday with the family present from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM to receive friends. Mr. Van Earl French Sr., “Frenchy,” was born on November 16, 1952 in Rison, Arkansas. He was the eighth child born to the union of Ervin and Patsy (Craig) French. Van was called home to be with the Lord on January 13, 2018 at McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. Mr. French attended Rison High School, where he was a graduate of the “Class of 1970” and a member of the football and basketball teams. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Barbara and the couple made their home in Flint and Grand Blanc, MI. They were happily married for over 39 years. Mr. French was employed at General Motors for 36 years. He was a member of several U.A.W. locals. Around the shop “Frenchy” was well-known and his jokes and ability to make even the quietest person talk was certainly missed upon his retirement. Mr. French continued his work in service to the Lord as a member of the Dozier Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where he was a past member of the Trustee Board and Male Chorus. Don’t let it ever be said that you caught Mr. French “slipping.” From his inspection-ready cars to his crisp hats and killer shoes, Mr. French was sharp with a capital “S” wherever he went. He often remarked to his family and friends that he had “been there and done that” while everybody else was still asleep. Mr. French loved to travel and was a true road warrior. It was nothing for him to say, “Barbara, let’s go,” and be headed somewhere South before the sun arose the next day. He catered to and loved his family dearly; often bringing his granddaughter lunch to school when she conveniently “forgot it” and telling everyone about his son’s bakery in Philadelphia. We also cannot forget his loyalty to all the green teams, including the Michigan State Spartans and his favorite, The Boston Celtics. Mr. French and his brother E.C. would often dissect and discuss each ball game after it occurred. He loved to shoot the breeze with strangers and friends alike; leaving many laughs and epic stories that became more elaborate with each re-telling. His outgoing, lively, and “straight-shooter” personality will truly be missed. Mr. Van Earl French Sr., “Frenchy,” leaves to cherish his memory: loving and devoted wife, Barbara French; son, Van Earl French Jr. of Philadelphia, PA; daughter, Tamika French; granddaughter, Angela French, both of Lansing, MI; brother, Ervin C. French of Miami, FL; sisters, Estella Gould, Gladys (Victor) Powell, and Francisetta French, all of Flint; sisters-in-law, Vernell French of Houston, TX, Ophia French of Flint, Linda (Leroy) Perkins and Aileen (David) Louis, all of Grand Blanc, MI and Shirley Credit of Muskegon, MI; brother-in-law, Alfonzo Sr. (Kimberly) Credit of Waterford, MI; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives. Mr. French was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Patsy French; brothers, Charlie B. French and Robert John “RJ’ French; sister, Argie Lee Williams; father and mother-in-law, Chester and Occie Credit; nephews, Stanley Johnson, Charlie French Jr., Robert French Jr., Rudy Johnson and Darnell Gould; brothers-in-law, James Credit, Roy Gould and Joe Williams.

Mr. Van Earl French Sr.

November 16, 1952 - January 13, 2018