Bernard Lee Sorrels

Bernard Lee Sorrels, 87, of Moran, Michigan, died March 15, 2018, at the Hospice House in Cheboygan, Michigan. Bern was born to Homer and Adah (Larson) Sorrels in Kansas City, Missouri on March 1, 1931. Bern and his family moved to Michigan when he was six years old. He attended high school in Trenton, Michigan, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in April of 1948. He attended Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, graduating in June. He spent two years on Guam, M.I., Siapan, M.I., and Tsingtao, China. He arrived at Inchon, Korea, on Sept 15, 1950, with First Marine Division. He participated in the Chosin Reservoir campaign where he was seriously wounded. He spent some time on the hospital ship USS Repose in December, 1950. He was returned to the states for his recovery where he was honorably discharged at the Navy Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia, on July 9, 1952. Bern returned to Michigan where he worked as a Project Supervisor for the Wayne County Road Commission. He retired from Wayne County in 1981 and moved to Evergreen Shores. In 1987, he married his best friend Betty Laver and they shared many wonderful times together over the next 30 years. During those years, he also worked for five years with the Mackinac County Road Commission as an Engineer Tech and also assisted Brevort Township with the development of their sewer project. Bern served as Brevort Township Deputy Clerk for twelve years. Bern was a member of the VFW in St Ignace, American Legion, and the Marine Corps Association and Foundation. He was part of Mission VII with the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight in 2015. He loved everything outdoors: hunting, fishing, four wheeling, camping, and snowmobiling. When he was able, he played softball, bowled and played volleyball. He especially liked following his grandchildren in their sports and school events. Bern is survived by his wife Betty; son, Steven (Roena) Sorrels of Madison Heights, Michigan; daughter, Colleen Sorrels of Pellston, Michigan; stepsons, Darrell (Mary Pat) Laver of Florida, Kevin (Melissa) Laver of Virginia; stepdaughter, Tracy (Douglas) Wilson of Grayling, Michigan; seventeen grandchildren, Joshua Mercado; Jason Sorrels; Retta, Gavin, Chelsea and Sophia Laver; Travis (Rachel) Laver, Courtney (Florian) Orleanu; Brock Wilson, Brad (Andrea) Wilson, Camren (Carlie) Wilson; Carlie Jane Wilson; and Jacob Wilson; and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by special sister-in-law, Irene Stauffer; brothers, Brent and Frank Sorrels; and by a special friend, Elliot Grondin, Jr. Bern was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Virgil Sorrels. A celebration of life gathering will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a military service at 4:30 p.m., on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Moose Lodge 999 in St Ignace, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the family or given to UP Honor Flight on Bern’s behalf. "Semper Fi"

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Bernard Lee Sorrels

March 1, 1931 - March 15, 2018