Paul Willis LaForest
BELLEVILLE, MI-Paul Willis LaForest age, 76, resident of Belleville for many years passed away on October 12, 2023, at home. He was born on July 3, 1947, in Ishpeming, MI, to Willis and Constance (Anderson) LaForest. He graduated from Negaunee High School in 1965 and then went onto earn two master’s degrees at Eastern Michigan University. Paul received his Bachelor of Teaching at Ferris State University in 1970. Paul used his knowledge and love of learning for teaching at Belleville High School for 25 Years before retiring. After retiring, he enjoyed spending the fall and winter months in St. Petersburgh FL. Paul was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles since 2008. He loved to be outdoors and to hunt and fish. Paul also enjoyed cars and worked with his son at their own car dealership for many years.
Paul is survived by his longtime partner Bonnie Saylor of St. Petersburgh, FL., children, Regina (Ed) Grube of Rockford, MI, and Michael LaForest of Belleville, MI, his grandchildren, Grace and Noelle Grube of Rockford, MI, Siblings, Robert (Marlene) Johnson of Henderson, NV, Bruce Johnson of Negaunee, MI, and Donald (Julie) Johnson of Ishpeming, MI, and his former wife of 20 years and mother of his children, Sharon McKnight of Carleton, MI.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
According to Paul’s wishes dignified cremation rites have been accorded with the David C. Brown Funeral Home, Belleville, MI, 48111. A family memorial will be planned and posted at a later date.
Please keep Paul and his family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.