Ivan Antoine

U.S. Army Ret. SFC Ivan E. Antoine passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021, at the age of 86.  Battling with medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile.  Despite those challenges, Ivan came out a hero staying strong until the end.

He was born on Monday, May 7, 1934, to the late Oscar and Arvilla Antoine in Traverse City, Michigan. After graduating from Traverse City Central High School in 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 20.  His military career began at Fort Bragg, NC where he met Peggy (Worrell), the love of his life, on a blind date in June 1959.  It was love at first sight for both of them.    They were to be married in June of 1960, but the Army’s agenda differed.  Ivan received orders for Panama changing their wedding date.  They were married on March 12, 1960 at Lillington Presbyterian Church in Peggy’s hometown prior to Ivan’s deployment.  Seven months later, Peggy reunited with Ivan in Panama, where they lived for three years.  In 1963, they returned back to Fort Bragg where their daughter Karen was born.  In April of 1965, Ivan received a deployment to the Domican Republic for seven months.  Upon returning home he learned he was being deployed to Vietnam on Christmas Day for his first tour of duty.  Four years later, in March of 1969, he returned to Vietnam to serve his last tour.  He retired in 1976 with 22 years of devoted service to his country.  Ivan was very proud of his accomplishments and earned countless commendations, medals, and awards.

Mr. & Mrs. Antoine have been a pillar of the Spring Lake community since 1972 when, four years prior to retirement, Ivan managed and owned Fails Mobile Home Park in Spring Lake.  The name was changed to Antoine Rentals and is now Antoine Mobile Home Park.

Ivan was talented at numerous things and exceptionally wise.  He was dignified, honest, dependable, genuine, selfless, friendly and a man of his word.  He was a loving husband and a great provider for his family.  A caring father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend.  Ivan’s comical personality with that toothpick in his mouth will always be remembered.  He loved to talk and could always make you laugh.  If you were to ask him how his day was going, he would say “All my days are good.”  A kind, gentle, old soul who had a firm understanding of what was important - “The simplicity of Living a Life with Those You Love.”  He was a perfectionist and everything was top notch and orderly.  “Mr. Clean” is how he referred to himself.  Never cutting corners and would always do what was right.  Instead of saying goodbye, his reply would be “Don’t take no wooden slugs.”

Ivan’s family time was priceless to him.  Traveling to the lake or beach in his motor home and eating at K&W Cafeteria were among the best family memories.  He was very dedicated and worked hard to keep his mobile home park ship shape.  He loved the outdoors mowing and landscaping, always keeping the yard immaculate.  Decorating his home for Christmas brought him joy.  It was stunningly beautiful and was admired by many. Ivan enjoyed his church family at Providence Presbyterian Church where he was a longtime member and supported it all these years.

Ivan leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beautiful and loving wife of 62 years, Peggy Antoine, of the home; daughter, Karen Campbell, of Stedman; son, Nicholas Antoine, of Spring Lake; granddaughter, Ashley Collazo, of Fayetteville; great-grandchildren, Dustin Blouin, of Bunnlevel; Eric Kline, of Stedman; Adina Dawson, of Stedman; Zoey Dawson, of Charleston, WV; sister-in-law, Carolyn Antoine of Traverse City, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

Ivan was preceded in death by a daughter, Melanie Antoine, at the young age of 18; his parents, Oscar and Arvilla Antoine; brothers, Duane and Everett; and sisters, Lois, Barbara and Nancy.

A memorial service honoring U.S. Army Ret. SFC Ivan E. “Sarge” Antoine, on his 87th Birthday, will be celebrated on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 11:00 am at Providence Presbyterian Church, 400 Eastwood Avenue, Fayetteville, NC with Pastor Andrew Webb and Pastor Irfon Hughes officiating.  Inurnment will follow at 1:00 pm at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, 8220 Bragg Blvd, Fort Bragg, NC with the rendering of military honors. Ivan will be forever in our hearts and greatly missed by all that knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to Providence Presbyterian Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern NC Chapter, 5171 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27612. Alz.org

Online condolences may be expressed at www.capefearcrematory.com