Jefferson Davis Laing

Jefferson Davis Laing of Kalamazoo/Portage, Michigan, having lived 95 independent and active years, died peacefully on December 5, 2013, in Grand Rapids, MI, with his long time companion, Lou Bing at his side. Jeff was well known in the Kalamazoo area, having founded Laing’s TV in 1952. Jefferson Davis Laing was born in Mer Rouge, Louisiana on October 13, 1918 to David Robert Laing and Lottie Mae Johnson. He was proud of his southern roots, claiming to be a “Loo-siana Hillbilly”, known for his love of fried chicken, cornbread and greens! There were 12 older siblings from his father’s deceased first wife: Fanny, George, Myrtle, Seymour, twins Mae Vaughn and Ray Vaughn, Robert, Frank, Joe (Rufas), Cassie, Monroe and Agnes Laing. Jeff was the second eldest of 7 siblings, including his beloved older sister, Georgia Mae (Phillip Noeth}, and brothers James “JC”, Charles “Chink” (Marjorie Courtney and Annabeth), John (Johnny Brenton) and Billy (Dorothy “Dot” Willis), His brother Harvey (Valerie Valentine) still resides in Shreveport, Louisiana. After his father’s death, his mother remarried to Ray Dinan, and Jeff’s 8th sibling, Bobby Ray was born, all deceased. Jeff met Genevieve Kornbacher in California, where they both worked at the Santa Monica hospital. They married on October 11, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan. Daughter Mary Katherine was born in Santa Monica in 1950. The family relocated to Paw Paw, Michigan in 1951, then to Kalamazoo, in 1952, where Barbara Ann (1952) and Christopher “Chriss” (1954) were born and Jeff established Laing’s TV Sales and Service. He started by fixing radios and black & white televisions in his basement, expanding to sell from his front porch and living room “show room”. In time, he added a service shop to the rear of the home, later moving the family next door. In 1966 he tore down the homes on Balch Street, and built the current Laing’s TV Sales & Service. Jeff is predeceased by his wife, Genevieve (1996) and daughter, Barbara Ann (1997). He is survived by his daughter, Mary Kay (Brandon, Manitoba, Canada), son, Christopher (Deborah) of Kalamazoo, and grandchildren Aaron Burch (Vancouver, BC), Sarah Burch (Dwayne Bryshun, Waterloo, Ontario), Christina (Brad Danger) and Laurie Laing, of Kalamazoo. While Jeff was still living in his own home, he was most grateful to “his angels”, Lou, Cindy, Barb and Heike for their daily calls and many meals. The most heartfelt gratitude is offered to Jeff’s friend and companion of many years, Lou Bing, who honoured his wish to die peacefully at home. She, with his other “angel”, her sister Betty, assisted with his care and comfort during the last month of his life. Jeff Laing was a driving member of the local and state television sales community, was past president, and active in national and international events. By far his greatest commitment, and dearest to his heart, was his affiliation with the Kalamazoo Knights of the Round Table. He was a member for 62 years, attending and active right until a month before his death. He counted all of the current members his closest friends. He participated in their many service activities, the most notable his ringing the bell for the Salvation Army every Christmas, the tall bean pole dressed as Santa with Lou as Mrs. Clause by his side. He related that people always responded to their good cheer with impressive donations! A funeral service with family and friends was held in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Monday, December 9, 2013 at Redmond Funeral Home, with interment at Mount Olive Cemetery. If friends so desire, contributions to the Kalamazoo Knights of the Round Table would be gratefully appreciated, c/o Elizabeth Thall, 113 Pinecove Circle, Kalamazoo, 49006, or a charity of your choice, in Jeff’s name, through Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008. For online condolences, friends are asked to sign the guestbook at www.redmondfuneralhomes.net