Jack “Ed” Edward Mahar

May 25, 1943 - June 1, 2018

BERRIEN CENTER - Jack “Ed” Edward Mahar, 75, of Niles, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 1, 2018, while surrounded by his loving family.

Jack was born on May 25, 1943, to the late Walter and Margaret (Peters) Mahar in South Bend, Indiana. While Jack was a senior at Washington High School he enlisted in the United States Navy. After boot camp, he commissioned the USS Dahlgren DLG-12 and spent the next few years at sea. Jack, also known as “Moose”, served as a Boilerman 3rd Class. Jack was a proud veteran and was a member of the Eau Claire American Legion Post 353. After returning home, Jack settled at Bendix Corp. and at 56 years old, he retired from Honeywell. On July 29, 2000, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Jack wed Dian and the two began their life together with their combined family, including eight sons. Jack was a member of the Masonic Temple St. Joseph Valley Lodge #4 in Niles where he was a Past Master. At the time that Jack became the Master, he was the youngest one ever at that time.

After retirement, Jack did many of the home projects that he wanted to finish on his home that had been recently built. He later decided retirement wasn't for him; he couldn't sit idle at home. He began mowing grass, helping out at American Legion events, and working part time jobs. All of this afforded Jack the ability to spend time with his family, which was his number one priority in life. He made sure all of his children were educated and grew up to be productive young men whom he was proud of. Jack also had nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Mahar and Margaret Woods; and siblings, Jimmy Mahar, Kathy Matthews, and Wilma Fell.

Jack is survived by his wife of 18 years, Dian Mahar; sons, Jack (Dawn) Mahar Jr. of Niles, Stephen Mahar of Niles, Andrew (Christine) Mahar of Niles, and Michael (Jennifer) Mahar of Niles; stepsons, Dana (Kathy) Rose of Coloma, George Rose of Hartford, Brad (Karen) Rose of Watervliet, and Erik Rose of Hartford; grandchildren, Krysta-Lee, Hannah, Colton, Chelsea, Tyler, McKenzie, Gavin, Brad Jr., and Brook; great-grandchildren, Kaleb, William, and Jaxon; siblings, Dixie (Paul) Schauer of Paw Paw, Joe (Tammy) Mahar of Boonsville, Texas, Gary (Stacy) Mahar of Mineral Wells, Texas, and Tonja Mahar of Azle, Texas; and many extended family members and close friends.

A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at Brown Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with Masonic Rites being held at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Services to celebrate Jack's wonderful life will be held at Berrien Center Bible Church on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Union Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Jack's memory to Memorial Hermann, which supports those with Leigh's Syndrome, in honor of Ed's great-grandson; or to the Southwestern Michigan Veteran's Support Group which Jack supported through the American Legion. Memorial Hermann donations may be made online at www.MemorialHermann.org/donate or by mail at 929 Gessner, Suite 2650, Houston, TX 77024. Donation envelopes for both charities will be available at the funeral home.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.