John Pike Jr.

Pike, John, Jr. 11/26/1930 - 2/24/2017 Portage John Charles Pike, Jr. entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 24, 2017. He was born November 26, 1930 to John and Eva (Clancy) Pike. John was united in marriage to Beverly Jean Howard on August 28, 1953. He worked at many places, including Gibson Guitar, a Civil Defense Photographer, Merchant's Publishing, J.C.Pike Studio and the John Henry Company where he retired. John will be remembered by his loved ones as an avid fisherman, gardener, magician, woodworker and handyman. John had a passion for photography and a love of music. He was an accomplished French Horn instrumentalist who used his gift from the Lord until the age of 80. He had an infectious personality and was always one for a good joke and laughter. At a young age he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and faithfully attended and served at Bethel Baptist Church in Kalamazoo. He was an active founding member of Berean Baptist Church until his passing. He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly of 63 years; sons, Stephen (Rinda) Pike, Joel (Lynda) Pike, Christopher (fiancee, Teresa Hensley) Pike; 12 beloved grandchildren; 17 beautiful great-grandchildren; many special nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ruth (Lyle) Collison; and daughter Sheryl (Ronald) Stiger. A service to honor John's life and glorify the Lord will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 2nd at Berean Baptist Church in Portage, MI. A luncheon will follow. A private inurnment will be held at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to: Gitche Gumee Bible Camp of Eagle River or Berean Baptist Church of Portage. Arrangements entrusted to Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com