Anthony "Tony" Avery, Jr.

Anthony “Tony” Avery, Jr. worked hard and played hard, was an adventurous outdoorsman, and had the kindest, most caring heart devoted to his family and friends. He was known for his fun-loving energy and wit, two characteristics that got him in trouble on more than one occasion. Tony lent his sense of humor and compassion to everyone around him, and in doing so, brightened many lives.

The 1970s were a time of great technological change in America. As computers and space exploration continued to evolve, millions became fixated on television shows and movies that explored these themes. For Anthony Avery, Sr. and his 4th wife, Mary (Brooks), of Kalamazoo, Michigan, it was a time of growth for their family as well as they welcomed the birth of their first child on March 28, 1971, a son they named Anthony Wayne Jr., after his father.

Anthony, or Tony as he was called, grew up in the Lawton area along with his three siblings, Wayne, Tony Lee and Marianne. He received his education in the Lawton Public Schools, and played football while in high school. When it came to his leisure time, Tony spent much of his time outdoors, shooting his BB gun or riding his mini Honda 90 dirt bike. Tony was always a lot of fun to be around, and one never knew when he had a trick or prank up his sleeve. He had many friends he enjoyed hanging out with, and playing horseshoes was one of their favorite pastimes. Like many teenagers, Tony was a “headbanger”, a die-hard fan of heavy metal music. However, when it came to what he liked to watch, it was military or old war movies and the History Channel.

Tony was an avid outdoorsman all his life. He loved to hunt and fish, and even had a “friendly” hunting and fishing competition going on with his sister, Marianne. His love of the outdoors even influenced his career choices as he learned the masonry construction trade working for Ron Moffett. Tony worked hard and became a skilled finish concrete man.

Like everyone, Tony had his good and his bad days, and over the past two years, he had been working hard to get his life together, and mend fences where needed. But, all who knew Tony, knew he had a big, tender heart and would be there for anyone at anytime, helping in anyway he could.

Sadly, Tony died suddenly on Friday, September 14, 2007, at Bronson Hospital. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. Surviving is his mother, Mary Avery of Lawton; 3 siblings; Wayne (Victoria) Avery, Sr. of Lawton, Tony Lee Avery of Paw Paw, Marianne (Ron) Bresson of Lawton; 3 nieces: Kelly, Amanda, Samantha; 3 nephews: Carl, Wayne Jr., Trevor; and many loving friends. Friends will be received on Thursday, September 20, from 12 noon - 2 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home - Betzler & Thompson, Paw Paw, 60900 M-40 (657-3870), where a service to honor his life will be held at 2 p.m. Food and fellowship will follow at the Paw Paw Eagles on M-40. Please visit Tony’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may sign his online guest book or share a memory or photo with his family. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.