John Paul Daggett

Cherished father, grandfather, great-gandfather, uncle, and friend, John Paul Daggett, 92, of South Haven, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at his home. He was born August 31, 1925 to Paul and Beatrice (Travis) Daggett in South Haven. John, a fourth-generation South Havenite, graduated with the South Haven High School Class of 1943.

John married Patricia Nunley on October 25, 1944 after a whirlwind romance while on leave from the military. They shared 63 years of marriage before her passing in 2008. He owned and operated Daggett’s Concrete Products, started by his grandfather, for 40 years. In 1962, he also established and operated, along with partners, the first nursing home in South Haven, Restwood Inn, now known as South Haven Rehabilitation Center.

He served his country in the United States Army during World War II in Germany as an M4 Sherman “tanker” and assisted with the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp. John loved all sports, his favorite being basketball for which he was captain of his high school team. John, made two holes in one and continued golfing until the age of 88. He loved horse racing and was able to enjoy the full day of Kentucky Derby races this year on television.  He was a life member of the Elks and the American Legion.

He loved to travel and saw much of the world.  Socializing with his friends at morning coffee and playing gin rummy with his buddies at the Legion were highlights of his days later in life.

He is preceded in death along with his parents and wife, a daughter – Mary Daggett,  brother – Rodney Daggett, and life-long friend — Hyman Warshawsky.

John is survived by his daughters – Cathryn (Tom) Thaler of South Haven and Beverley (Gary) Kahne of Keizer, Oregon, two grandchildren – Sarah Vest and Nicholas (Tish) Bild, four great grandchildren – Ryan and Aaron Vest, Anthony Carlisle, and Kailey Bild, and three nephews – Jim (Brenda) Daggett, Gregory (Holly) Daggett, and Donald (Tammy) Daggett.

John will be laid to rest next to his wife and daughter in Lakeview Cemetery, South Haven.

The family would especially like to thank and acknowledge his wonderful caregivers, Marita Cowel, Chrissy Palmer, Michelle Smith, and Linda Smith. Contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Al Van Humane Society, PO Box 421, South Haven, Michigan 49090 or Caring Circle Hospice at Home, 05055 Blue Star Highway, South Haven, Michigan 49090.