Walter C. Major

Walter Major passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 5, 2016, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Walter was born August 25, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan to Eugene E. and Ida (Meloche) Major, the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Dearborn High School in January 1952, while there focusing on learning the food service industry to become a chef. He was inducted in the U.S. Army on August 18, 1952 and proudly served his country during the Korean War as a cook, attaining the rank of Sgt. E-5, being honorably discharged on June 14, 1954, remaining on active reserve for 6 years. He married Vanita June (Morrow) (Johnson) on August 26, 2000, who preceded him in death on March 25, 2016. They lovingly enjoyed over 15 years of marriage. Walter was an extraordinary chef, at one time owning the Patio Grille and his own catering business, then running the cafeteria at the Fisher Body Plant from which he retired in August 1986. He created many beautiful wedding cakes, including those for his many nieces and nephews. In his younger days he loved spending time at the family cottage on Sugden Lake where his whole family would gather for boat rides, swimming, late night pinochle games and some of his famous pancakes for breakfasts. Walter was also a long-time camper, going on many memorable trips with his sister Marjory and her family, his mother Ida and his brother Howard and his family. He greatly enjoyed music, dancing, singing and baking for his family and friends, and especially for his wife, Vanita. He loved travelling, spending many many winters in Florida, where he met Vanita. He was very active in the Mason Seniors and looked forward to their group get-togethers. He was a very joyful and happy man, always with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, who had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a member of Divine Child Church and later St. James Catholic Church in Mason. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Brothers Eugene, Don, John, Howard, and Robert Major and Sister Marjory Edinborrow, two brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law. He is survived by sisters-in-law Isabel Major, Bernice Major and Diane Major, and many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Uncle Walt was so active and accomplished so many things that it is difficult to condense his life into a few paragraphs. He loved his wife and family dearly, as well as his many friends, and he will be greatly missed by all.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 am Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at St. James Catholic Church, 1010 S Lansing St, Mason, MI 48854 with visitation one hour prior to service, officiated by Fr. Kusi Cobona. Interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI. Those desiring may make contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2111 University Park Dr., Ste. 200, Okemos, MI 48864

The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Ball Dunn Chapel, Mason. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grbdmason.com.