Kenneth Warren Sink passed away on July 25, 2019, at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, Michigan. Born on November 14, 1923, to George and Dorothy (Marston) Sink in Berrien Center, Ken was a graduate of Berrien Springs High School, an Army Ranger and a proud member of the 66th Black Panther Division during World War II. He was stationed along the French coast in the L’Orient /St. Nazaire area and served as a forward observer in a small, wooden-framed, canvas-covered airplane where he would call in coordinates for the field artillery. He was responsible for the sinking of the first German freighter from land artillery during the war, his battalion commander having reported, “Sink sighted ship, Sink sank same”. He ended the war in Salzburg, Austria, where he ran a displaced persons camp for Russians.
Returning from the war, he purchased Schrader’s Grocery from John Schrader, his grandfather-in-law, and expanded the grocery until it became the first ‘supermarket’ in Berrien Springs. That supermarket on Ferry Street was expanded once, after which he built a new store, now the current Hardings . Ken later had supermarkets in Constantine, Vicksburg, Three Oaks and Buchanan.
His marriage to Barbara (King) Sink in 1944 produced two children, Teresa (Roger) Thornburg of Okemos and Eric (Carol) Sink of Berrien Springs. Happily married 50 years, Barb passed away in 1994. Ken was fortunate to reconnect with a childhood friend whom he then married, Doris (Lochinaw Parker) Sink. Ken and Dory spent the next 10 years in her hometown of Couer d’Alene, Idaho, where they explored Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. He returned to Michigan at her death in 2005, and was soon introduced to Mickey Bowman of Benton Harbor. They have shared winters in Florida and many dinners at Grand Mere. It’s no wonder his children and grandchildren often teased Ken about being a “chick magnet”.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barb; his wife, Dory; one brother, George; and one sister, Marion. He is survived by his children, Teri and Ric ; his sister, Donna; five grandchildren-Aaron (Briana) Thornburg of Seattle, WA; Amanda Jurcisin of Okemos, MI; Matthew (Courtney) Riggins of Okemos, MI; Rebecca (Erin) Riggins of South Bend, IN and Erika (James) Renz of Elgin, IL; five great-grandchildren and special friend, Mickey Bowman.
At his request, there will be no funeral. For those who wish to post a condolence online, you may do so at www.purelycremations.org. Memorial contributions may be made to your charity of choice.
Posted On: Monday, July 29, 2019 2:58 PM
