Coopersville Observer, March 18, 1943

Coopersville’s last surviving Civil War veteran has answered his final roll call. John M. Park, 94, died Tuesday morning at the home of his son, John M. Park, Jr., following a comparatively short illness. It was not many months ago that Mr. Park was in good health for one of his advanced years and was frequently seen on the streets. A short time ago, he was taken with an illness which was soon diagnosed as being of a serious nature and his death became a matter of time.

While Mr. Park was not the last Civil War veteran in the township, he was the last one of a large group of local residents who had served their country during 1861–65.

Mr. Park was born in Sullivan Ashland County, Ohio. At the age of 16 he followed his father and three brothers by enlisting in Co. H, Second Ohio Cavalry, and served during the last year of the Civil War. In 1941 he was elected department commander of the Michigan GAR and held the office for one year.

In the fall of 1872 he came to Wright Township, Ottawa County and on April 23, 1873, married Miss Edith S. Lillie, who died in September, 1919. To this union were born three sons, two of whom have preceded their father in death.

Surviving are the son; a granddaughter, Mrs. Russell Wolbrink of Allendale; one grandson, Kenneth M. Park of Grand Rapids, and four great-grandchildren

The body will repose at the family home until Friday noon, and will lie in state in Coopersville Methodist Church for one hour preceding the funeral services at 2:00 o’clock. Burial will be in Lamont Cemetery under the auspices of the Coopersville American Legion.

Coopersville Observer, May 29, 1936

John Jackson, Charles Nichols, John M. Park