Basil Leslie McNitt

Basil L. McNitt, 89, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:30 A.M. Monday, February 17, 2014 at Napier Parkview Baptist Church, 245 W. Napier Ave. Benton Harbor, with Dr. J. O. Hosler officiating. Friends may visit from 10:30 A. M. until the time of service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Virginia McNitt. Those wishing to share a memory of Basil may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Basil was born November 5, 1924 in Benton Twp. to Leslie & Mamie (Lane) McNitt. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1942. Following graduation Basil enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country and worked as a Military Policeman until he was honorably discharged in 1946. On July 27, 1945 he married Virginia Wheeler in Battle Creek, MI. Basil worked as an electrician for West Michigan Electric and finally All Phase electric before retiring after 30 plus years. He was a very active member at Napier Parkview Baptist Church, he enjoyed volunteering for the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department and was on the St. Joseph Board of Commissioners for a number of years. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Virginia, daughter in law Jean McNitt of Berrien Springs, son in law Robert Harvey of Brighton, MI; grandchildren Ken (Angela) Harvey of South Lyon, MI, Justin (Cortney) McNitt of Mansfield, TX, Amanda (Brent) Brock of Dewitt, MI and Brittany McNitt of Berrien Springs; great grandchildren Konnor, Preston, MaKenna and Landon; brother Warren (Judy) McNitt of CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Connie Harvey on October 22, 1993 and son Lawrence “Larry” McNitt on August 10, 2006.