Clifford Wayne Prince

Clifford Wayne "Cliff" Prince, age 94, of New Era, MI passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2023.  He was born September 9, 1929, in Grand Rapids, the son of Rudolph and Hattie (Jurries) Prince.

Cliff attended Oakdale Christian School and Grand Rapids Christian High School before attending Calvin College. He was accepted into the University of Michigan Law School but before beginning there, he was called to serve in the United States Marine Corps. During and after college he served a total of four years in both the reserve and active duty. After completing his tour of duty, he married Ellen Andre' in Goshen, Indiana. He then entered law school.  After graduation in 1955, he accepted a position with the Shelby law firm of Hinds and Sikkenga.  He retired from practice in 1991.

Oceana County became his home and as time went by, he grew to think of himself as a "native". Cliff and Ellen raised their five children in New Era. They became deeply involved in and lifelong supporters of the New Era Christian School and the New Era Christian Reformed Church. Cliff was a devoted supporter of Christian education. He served for many years on the board of directors of the National Union of Christian Schools (now known as Christian Schools International).

He also served many years on the board of trustees of Shelby State Bank and the board of the Calvin College Alumni Association.

He participated for many years in the local detachment of the Marine Corp League. He spoke with pride of his years of service with the United States Marine Corps and firmly believed that "once a marine, always a marine". Semper Fi!

Cliff is survived by: his children, Kenneth (Jane) Prince, James (Ruth) Prince, Laura (Douglas) Fessenden, Michael (Carol) Prince, and Andrea (James) Karsten; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Cliff was preceded in death by: his parents, Rudolph and Hattie; his wife of 71 years, Ellen; his brother, Fred; and his daughter-in-law, Ruth Wolting Prince.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2pm, Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the New Era Christian Reformed Church, 1820 Ray St., New Era, Michigan, 49446, with Pastor John Medendorp and Pastor James Karsten officiating. Visitation will be held from 5pm until 7pm, Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Avenue, Shelby, Michigan 49455 and Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 1pm until the service at 2pm, at New Era Christian Reformed Church.  A luncheon will follow with interment later in the afternoon.

Please consider memorial donations to: Pentwater VFW post 6017, Scholarship Program, Brett Witteveen Marine Corps League Detachment 1225, 8440 N. US -31, Pentwater, Michigan 49449.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www,harrisfhome.com

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