John Thomas LaBash's Obituary
John Thomas LaBash, age 83, passed away Friday, April 24, 2026. He was born in Muskegon, MI to John G. and Henrietta (Wawrzyniak) LaBash and was a lifelong resident of the area. John was a lifelong member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church where he attended grade school and served as an altar boy and altar boy instructor under Fr. Andrew Sikorski. John spent his freshman and sophomore years at St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids exploring the priesthood and returned to Muskegon Catholic Central High School for junior and senior years graduating in the Class of 1961. He received his Associate’s Degree from Muskegon Community College and transferred to the University of Maryland. In 1963, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War. In 1965, he joined the Muskegon County Sheriff Department where he worked 18 years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant. During this time, he enjoyed his time with the Sheriff Department Softball team. He then worked as a Deputy Trustee for the Federal Bankruptcy Court while also starting his own business, Aries Construction. After several years in business, he took a hiatus and worked at Muskegon Catholic Central as Maintenance and Transportation Director. John also worked 10 years as a Salesman for Rycenga Building Center which continued to fulfill his lifelong goal of helping others. He finally retired from working at the age of 65. In 1966, he met the love of his life, Gene M. Johnson and they married at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church on November 11, 1967. They would have celebrated their 59th Anniversary this year. John coached JV and Varsity Softball at Muskegon Catholic Central, announced baseball, wrestling and was also the voice of Varsity Football there announcing home games for 33 years. He was president and coach for the Hile Recreation Association and had the honor of coaching for his children and grandchildren. John was an active member of Still Water Springs “Woodchucks” and various other positions. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #706 and the American Legion. John is survived by his loving wife, Gene M. LaBash; his sister, Mary LaBash; 3 children, Andrew (Joette) LaBash, Daniel (Nancy) LaBash, Susan (Dennis) Lord; 6 grandchildren, Kaitlyn LaBash, Hannah LaBash, Matthew Lord, Kristen Lord, Katia LaBash, Sophia LaBash; honorary daughter Debra (Michael) Cuffle and her children, Joseph Cuffle and Vivian Cuffle; 2 nephews, Robert LaBash, David Nuttall; and 1 niece, Cindy Dexter. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Henrietta LaBash; his brother, Thomas LaBash; Thomas’ son John; and several of his aunts and uncles on the LaBash side as well as the Wawrzyniak side. A Catholic Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, May 2, 2026 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444, with Rev. Fr. Norman P. Droski presiding. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A private entombment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Muskegon Catholic Education Foundation or plant a tree in John’s memory. Sign the online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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