It is difficult to condense one’s full life into a paragraph or two, but here are the highlights:
Born to Eleanor and Wesley LaCourt on May 17th, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois, John, or Jack to his family and friends, was the eldest of three siblings: Richard, George, and Isabelle. When he was a young child, his family relocated to Bay City, Michigan. During World War II and for the rest of his working career, his father, Wesley, worked as a superintendent at Defoe’s Shipbuilding Company and the family had a small farm where John and his siblings worked hard and developed a strong work ethic. He discovered one of his passions in high school, playing football. With his 5’8” frame, he relied on his determination and “play smart” abilities to become a star running back on the Handy High School football team. It was there where he met the greatest love of his life, Jeanette. He loved to tell the story of how they were double dating, each with a different date, but flirting with each other. (I think he was always smitten with her : ) After graduating from Handy High School in 1955, he attended junior college and worked as a welder at Defoe’s for one year. During that year, he and Jeanette became engaged and were married on September 1, 1956. Together, they left Bay City and moved into a tiny 30’ trailer in East Lansing, Michigan where John attended Michigan State University and Jeanette worked full time supporting them and his education. He graduated from MSU in June 1960 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and was immediately offered a job with Firestone in the Detroit area, so he and Jeanette relocated to Ferndale, Michigan. It was at Firestone where he became “Jack” since there were three other “Johns” working at the same location, a nickname he adopted for the rest of his life. One and a half years later his draft deferment, Karen (Karrie), was born. In 1962, he and a business partner opened their first tire store, Capital Tire, in Farmington, Michigan. With much hard work, long hours, and determination, their business eventually grew to include sixteen tire stores across Michigan. In 1977, Jack was involved in a near-fatal auto crash and, while recovering, decided to move to the dry, warm climate of Phoenix, Arizona. So, in 1978, leaving all family and friends, Jack, Jeanette, and Karrie moved to Phoenix to their current home. He worked the remainder of his career in sales, tire sales then pool sales, retiring from Shasta Pools in 2000. He retired one year before Jeanette retired, which Jeanette said was one of the smartest things she ever did because he took over all the household duties of cooking and cleaning during that time and continued throughout their retirement years which were focused on their family especially time with their grandkids, Savannah and Ryan. Unfortunately and unexpectedly, John/Jack passed away August 11th, 2015 in his Phoenix, Arizona home. We miss him already.

To say that John was one of a kind would be an undeniable understatement to all who interacted with him. The continuous generosity, humor, wit, kindness, and wisdom he shared with those around him exist as only few examples of the incredible husband, father, grandfather, and friend he was. His passion for sports, particularly the Michigan State Spartans, and willingness to continue to support the Arizona Cardinals were only surpassed by one greater love in his life: his family. His incredible wife Jeanette and daughter Karen were his best friends, for nothing brought him more joy than being a part of their lives, supporting them through every peak and valley, and always acting as a pillar of love and comfort. His dedication to the lives of his only grandchildren Savannah and Ryan is only one example of the love he possessed for his family. More than just the graduations, recitals, concerts, and baseball/softball games of which he was always in attendance for, he was a constant presence in their lives, from making meals at all hours of the day between their school breaks to talking about life and the importance of hard work while floating in the pool. There has never been and will never be a greater Papa. His life was one of hard work, adventure, perseverance, and love. His absence creates a hole in our lives we know will never be filled.

We encourage anyone to share photos or memories of John below, and click on the slideshow to view images from his life.

Troy McLean Foster passed away peaceful in his sleep August 11, 2015 in Webster, Texas. There is not enough words to describe our brother, so I will start the best way I can. Troy was simply the most loving and kindest soul to everyone he ever met. There couldn't be a more genuine heart than his. He lived his life to the fullest everyday and lived with passion. A passion for cooking and fishing the Gulf of Mexico and Bay. Sometimes he would go quietly by himself, but mostly he spend countless hours sharing that time with his father Jake Foster. Without a doubt they were true fishing buddies and Troy loved his dad more than words. He enjoyed much time with his brother Ronnie Wagner and brother-in-law Colen Mertz talking about hunting and fishing and just spending time together. These three had such a manly man brotherly bond no one could break. Troys love for his mother Eve Babineaux-Wagner was one in a million. I can tell you without a doubt, that bond was very mutual. Troy blessed this world with his love he had for everyone. He shared a wonderful loving respect and bond with his dad Ron Wagner that he loved dearly and his Nunu Linda Angelo. These two, Troy and Linda were quite a pair and never a dull moment. The laughs would leave you in stitches. He shared his wonderful life with some of the best friends a man could ask for. Many from childhood to manhood. Troy was blessed with a wonderful son and I can tell you he loved his son Justin Foster very much and lived his every breath for him and his two grandchildren Aurora and Ramsey. Troy loved and had so much respect for Justin's beautiful wife and mother of their children Diana Leslie. Troy simply loved beyond love and was the great peace keeper. A one in a million heart. He said it like it was and had no fear of saying it. He was the real deal, like it or not...lol...and loving and kind and...I could go on and on. He loved each of us siblings and his brother and sister in law with all his heart; Ronnie Wagner, Heather Huber, Colen Mertz, Christie Wagner Mertz and myself, his sister Michelle Foster. He never missed a chance to tell us he loved us and he showed it every chance he could. Christie and Troy would spend hours sometimes talking just to talk, as he would with mom, dad, his friends and his Beth. His heart was always in the right place. Troy adored all his nieces and nephews and loved to pick on them ever chance he could. Life just wouldn't be the same if he wasn't picking on you. I can't say enough, but what I can say is I'm going to miss so much about him, but mostly I'm going to miss him. We all will every day. There won't be a moment he won't fill our hearts with love. Through the grieving, we are cherishing every precious memory we had with him. Through the loss we have all felt the intense love, family pulling together. A reconnection that only Troy could do with his beautiful spirit. And this love he has shown us, even in death is amazing.
What a beautiful AMAZING wonderful Angel he has now.
In my heart and soul always. We love you Troy McLean Foster!~

Judith Anne Coghlan of Glen Burnie, MD passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2015 at Baltimore Washington Medical Center. She was 76 and attended Holy Trinity Church in Glen Burnie. Born in Clyde, MO on November 10, 1938 to John and Helen Harrison, she began a lifelong nursing career and discovered her passion for traveling through her six years of service in the U.S. Air Force. After retiring from the federal government, she volunteered with the BWI Pathfinders and Anne Arundel County Police department where she enjoyed helping and interacting with the public. She was an avid reader and loved a great historical murder mystery. Judith was passionate about traveling with her family. Together they enjoyed many trips to the Magic Kingdom and cruised aboard several Disney ships. Her travels took her to four continents, and if she had the opportunity, she would have happily visited the other three. Judith was preceded in death by her parents John and Helen Harrison and three brothers.

Judith took pride in teaching others when she could, especially the younger generation of health care workers. In her death, she continued to teach and provide a learning opportunity by donating her body to the Maryland State Anatomy board. She hoped this would enable researchers to learn more about her ailments.

Judith is survived by her brother, Urban “Hoot” Harrison; her sister, Mary Helen Zubek; her daughter, Rachel; her son, Brian (Susan); two grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Trinity Church, 7436 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Glen Burnie on August 22 at 11 am with a reception to follow. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Arthritis Foundation at https://www.arthritis.org/.

Died suddenly (of heart failure) at his home in St. Louis, Saturday afternoon, August 8th. Albert Lee is survived by his beloved son Albert Lee (wife: Hannah) and granddaughter, Cora Sophia, and daughter Hattie Wiley (husband: Chris).

Albert Lee was dearly loved by his partner for the last 17 years, Debra Miller, her daughters Keya Harris and Trish Garner, and grandsons Corey Harris and Bryon Haynes.

He was preceded in death by mother Esther Williams and siblings Robert Allen Bean and Shirley Mae Williams and survived by siblings Betty Louise Felder, Frank Philip Williams, Walter Don Williams, Force Williams, Danny Kent Williams, Chris Oliver Williams.

Albert Lee Williams Sr. was a loving father, able mechanic, and dedicated U.S. Army veteran. Albert Lee was raised in Kinloch, and graduated from McCluer high school, after which he joined the military.

Albert Lee Williams Sr. enlisted in 1971 at the age of 18. He married Huae Yi in South Korea, and their union produced one boy, Albert Lee Jr. and one girl, Hattie.

A young life was taken way to early. On the morning of August 10 2015, my precious and very loved auntie Chabelita, lost her life due to a heart failure. She is leaving behind her husband of 6 years Yimi and her three treasures, Gerson (27), Heyzzell (26) , Daniela (13) , and 2 beautiful grandkids Kevin and Jassiel also , brothers, sisters , nephews, nieces, a very very strong Mother and lots of friends.
We were all so loved by my auntie. May God give us strength as we move through this difficult time.

John Edward Espy, 60, of Mesa, AZ passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 9, 2015. Born in Los Angeles, CA to Deacan and Mary Louise. He grew up in Santa Monica. He attended college at UC Irvine on a baseball scholarship. John was a retired Beverly Hills police officer, and was passionate about sports, especially baseball.

John and his wife Joyce, of 23 years, were a marvelous couple full of love and adventure. He was a remarkable Father to his daughters: Julie, Lisa, Renee and Jodette and a wonderful PaPa to his 8 grandchildren: Ciera, Sophia, Lia, Taelase, Bianca, Otto, Eddie and PJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions to the John Espy Memorial Fund,
https://www.gofundme.com/kqxqhea4

great person

Toni Tabor Oyler, beloved wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2015, in Round Rock, Texas, following a brief battle with cancer. Toni passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by the love of her husband and daughters. Toni was predeceased by her mother whom she greatly admired, Joan Luton Higgins. She is survived by her devoted husband, Kenneth W. Oyler; her three daughters Kelly Elizabeth McKee Brednich and husband Brig, Chelsea Erin McKee Delbar and husband Nick, and Austin Lee McKee; her treasured “beebees” grandsons Tabor Stewart McKee, Caden Paradise Brednich, and Jack Jean-Calvin Delbar; her father Lt. Col. John D. Tabor and wife Georgia; her step-father Hugh K. Higgins, Jr.; as well as numerous other friends and extended family members.

Born on February 15, 1954, in Pleasanton, CA, Toni was an only child, adored by her parents and grandparents Stewart LeMoyne and Mary Grace Smith Luton. She graduated early from Reagan High School in Austin, and then attended the University of Texas at Austin where she received her Bachelors in Radio, Television, and Film. In 1975, Toni started working as the advertising traffic director at KNOW, a hip radio station in Austin, TX. There she met Calvin Randall McKee. They married in 1977 and had three daughters, Kelly, Chelsea, and Austin. In 1992, she married Kenny, whom she affectionately referred to as her "Kenman." Together they cherished each other’s company while gardening, playing Scrabble, and spending time with friends and family on their back porch. While her girls were growing up, Toni was not only a mother to them, but to countless other children who found their way into her heart and she into theirs.

Toni was a well-respected and driven professional. To list all of her professional accomplishments would be impossible. She was the first woman to serve as Executive Director of the Pharr Chamber of Commerce and she was the only female Chamber Director representing the Rio Grande Valley at an international expo promoting trade between U.S. and Mexican companies. Early in her career with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, she conceived and implemented the first McAllen Candlelight Posada, which continues as a major Christmas festival in the Rio Grande Valley today. For the last 23 years, Toni was a valuable member of the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality family. She first joined the commission when it was known as the Texas Air Control Board in 1992. Over the years, Toni served in various positions related to air permitting. She supervised, led various groups and teams, and was recognized on multiple occasions as an outstanding employee for her customer service, work ethic, attitude, professionalism, and production. Toni was a source of information for all internal and external customers, especially those she mentored and trained over the years. Even after her diagnosis, Toni remained dedicated in her work.

Toni was a woman of faith. As a member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, she demonstrated her love, patience, and kindness by leading a ministry involved in feeding the homeless. Together, with her husband Kenny, she changed the way those less fortunate were served, by bringing food to their tables, rather than having them wait in line. She also organized entertainment in the form of music and poetry for them to enjoy.

Like her mother, Toni was a brilliant Scrabble player. It was through Scrabble that she taught Kenman how to spell, and her daughters the secret of two-letter words and where to carefully play your ‘S’. She was an avid reader and loved the theater where she volunteered her time as an actor in feature plays. Later in life, she enjoyed her annual mother/daughter trips, where, together, she and her three daughters shared special talks and hours of laughter.

Above all else, Toni was a woman of compassion. She will be remembered for her ability to find the positive in any situation, her sense of humor, her willingness to forgive, and for the unconditional love she shared with all who knew her.

The family wishes to thank all those that loved and cared for Toni. While her life here on earth has ended, and ours will never be the same without her, she will continue to live through us as we carry her memory in our hearts. To close, we share a poem written by her husband in her honor.

My Toni Girl
Sudden
Can be this beast named death
Only awakening
The joy of my sweet wife’s
Quieting, bequeathed breath
Toni’s eyes
Toni’s arms ever wide open
Peacefully purposely perched
On this precipice of life
Smile upon us
Gently guiding us away
From our singular
Bleak bridges of sighs
Teaching us
All who knew her
To ease your minds
Leave your troubles and
Cares behind you
Life can be unkind
Know I love you
I love you
I love you

Wayne Harvey Smith was not charged for Donna's murder since her body was never found.