From left, Dan Mesyer, Charlie Gunsell, Jamie Weinert, Joe Benz, Nicki Lancour, Starla Owens, Rob Lancour and Joe Knowles.
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LUDINGTON — A re-dedication ceremony, retiring Ludington High School varsity baseball uniform No. 3 was held Tuesday afternoon prior to the beginning of the LHS vs. Montague game at the Don Stokely Diamond at Oriole Field. The uniform number belonged to Joe Lancour, a 2004 LHS graduate who died in combat while serving in the U.S. Army 173rd Airborne Brigade in Afghanistan in 2007.
The dedication ceremony included an honor guard from American Legion Post #76, Edwin H. Ewing, along with an honor guard of local law enforcement including Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Ludington Police Department, and Michigan State Police.
The ceremony took place prior to the start of the game with the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner,” unveiling of the sign in the outfield, and Rob Lancour, Joe’s father, throwing out the first pitch to Joe Benz, a 2024 LHS graduate, and LHS alumni baseball player, who is serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Also in attendance for the unveiling was Starla Owens, Joe’s mother, Nicki Lancour, his sister, along with Charlie Gunsell, his varsity football coach, Dan Mesyer, his varsity baseball coach, and current varsity baseball coach Jamie Weinert. The new sign dedication was coordinated by Joe Knowles.
Army Specialist Joe Lancour joined the Army in February 2006. He was deployed to Afghanistan in August 2007. On Nov. 9, 2007, Lancour was one of five soldiers whose patrol was attacked in an ambush, according to the US Department of Defense. Two of the soldiers died that day. Lancour and two others died Nov. 10.
In 2016 a portion of Jebavy Drive between Jagger and Barnhart roads in Hamlin Township, was dedicated to Lancour’s memory.
Rob Lancour throws out the first pitch.
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