Fallen Spartans Archive

Michigan State pioneer passes away Clifton Roaf, a retired dentist, was Underground Railroad’s first passenger Photo: Clifton Roaf with his son Willie at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Some sad news on the passing of a Michigan State football pioneer. My research for book Raye of Light revealed he was the first passenger on...

Former Green Bay Packers All-Pro linebacker Dan Currie passed away on Monday in Las Vegas according to the team website. He was 82 years old. Currie was drafted by the Packers in 1958 at No. 3 overall. He was the first pick in arguably the Packers best draft class in team history as they also...

June 22, 2017 EAST LANSING, Mich. – Former Michigan State All-American guard Frank Kush, who helped the Spartans to National Championships in 1951 and 1952, died on Thursday, June 22. He was 88 (1929-2017). A three-year letterwinner (1950-52) under Hall of Fame Coach Biggie Munn, Kush anchored MSU’s defensive line during its undefeated National Championship...

David G Smith 8/2/1930 – 3/19/2017 David G. Smith of Boyne City and Venice, FL passed away Sunday, March 19 in Sarasota with his loving wife of 33 years, Judy; niece, Dr. Seneca Storm, Dimondale, MI;  family friend, Jill Chandler-Fisher of Sarasota, FL and Boyne City, MI at his side. Dave’s loyalty to Faith, Family,...

Jan. 31, 2017 EAST LANSING, Mich. — Former Michigan State All-American offensive lineman Don Coleman, who helped the Spartans to the 1951 National Championship, died Monday, Jan. 30. He was 88. A three-year letterwinner (1949-51) under Clarence “Biggie” Munn, Coleman helped guide MSU to a 9-0 record in 1951, winning the Spartans’ first national championship...

    MATT SNORTON (February 26, 1942 – December 30, 2016) THE SNORTON FAMILY HAS A LONG HISTORY IN THE CROFTON, KY AREA. FLEM SNORTON MARRIED MARY WHITNEY ON APRIL 10, 1941 AND ON FEBRUARY 26, 1942 HICKMAN MATTHEW SNORTON WAS BORN. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, HIS FAMILY MOVED TO JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA. HE WENT BACK TO CROFTON...

Dwight Lee As you read the following article you will discover the many twists and turns in Dwight’s life that enabled him to leave this World knowing he left it a better place. Speaking to an audience for one of the final times in his life, Dwight Lee explained why he loved his job as...

Theodore D. Rohrer (1943-2016) At the age of 73, Theodore D. Rohrer passed away on December 12, 2016. Born in Canton, Ohio on January 26, 1943 to Dale and Martha Strott Rohrer, he was an area resident all of his life. Ted, a member of the Stark County Football Hall of Fame, graduated from MSU...

Dewey Lincoln (1942 – 2016) Dewey Lincoln #26 Born: August 21, 1942 Died: October 25, 2016 Approximately one week ago, Dewey Lincoln suffered a major heart attack.  Dewey brought a new style and swagger to Michigan State University.  He perfected this style in Hamtramck.  Dewey Lincoln was passionate about everything he put his mind to.  On...

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Former Michigan State Spartan Mylan Hicks was tragically killed in a shooting early Sunday morning in Calgary, Alberta. Hicks, a native of Detroit, Michigan, was 23 (1993-2016). “Our coaches, staff and players are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Mylan Hicks,” said Michigan State head football coachMark Dantonio. “Mylan went...