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Thomas Aaron Kesson, age 62, of Potterville, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Tom was born February 17, 1961, in Lansing, Michigan, to Thomas and Beverly Kesson. Tom graduated from Potterville High School in 1979 and married his high school sweetheart, Dana, on May 10, 1980. He was a journeyman ironworker for over 15 years. While his children were in school, Tom was president of the Potterville Band Boosters and worked to acquire new uniforms for the marching band. He enjoyed metal detecting, feeding fish at the local park, his pets, reading many different subjects, playing pool, spending time in northern Michigan on the Tahquamenon River, and being with family and friends. Tom was well loved by all that knew him and had an enormous heart to help people and animals in need.

Tom is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dana Kesson; children, Aaron (Maria) Kesson, Amy (Marco) Smith, and Amanda Young; grandchildren, Ethan, Aidan, Alex, Andrew, Josh, Oliver, and Freya; father, Thomas (Marjorie) Kesson; siblings, Kerry Kesson and Laurie (Gary) Spiekhout; brother-in-law, Lance (Heidi) Whipple; and many nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his mother, Beverly Kesson, and his brother, Craig Kesson.

A celebration of Tom’s life will take place Saturday, September 23 from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. at Lake Alliance Park in Potterville, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michigan Humane Society. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church Street/P.O. Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. 517-878-6600.

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Funeral Services:

Judy Mae Keefer, 78, a fiercely independent, loyal and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at her residence in Mulliken. Judy was born December 3, 1944, in Plainwell, MI, the first daughter of Lester William and Katherine Susanne (Wahmhoff) Kennicott. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1962 and went on to study physical therapy and began her time of caring for others. Judy married the love of her life, Larry Keefer, on July 23, 1966. Together, they raised three sons on the family farm. Their life was one of farming. Larry, with Judy’s help, raised corn and soybeans for crops. Judy would be there for all of it, sometimes driving the tractors or trucks during harvest time. Nothing would slow her down.

Judy enjoyed time spent with her two sisters. Together they were known as the “Three Amigos,” and made spring and fall trips every year together, most notably to Traverse City. Their time spent together as sisters will be forever cherished and remembered. Judy made all who knew her feel like family, and to know Judy was to become a better person. She brought out the best in everyone, and always remained positive, even when she lost her leg. Judy and her family loved riding horses and loved raising goats. Judy became a 4H goat leader in Eaton County for several years while her kids would show goats. She always maintained a soft spot in her heart for all animals.

Judy was also fiercely patriotic and a Faith-filled person. She maintained great pride and respect for those serving in the armed forces, even picking up the tab when she would see a service person at a restaurant. The American Flag was always close by her, and she was extremely proud of her family members who served. Judy and Larry were faithful members of Mount Hope Church of the Flags in Lansing. She lived a life of devotion to others, to God, and to her family.

Judy is survived by her husband of 57 years, Larry; their sons, Keith (Jennifer) Keefer; Scott (Virginia) Keefer and Dan (Audra) Keefer; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Kennicott; sisters, Jane (Pat) Dotson and Pat (Bob) Fuller; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Bill and Bruce Kennicott; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Friends are encouraged to support Judy’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment has taken place in Meadowbrook Cemetery in Mulliken. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Judy’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warriors Project. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Bradley Clayton Johnson, 54 of Charlotte, a mechanically minded guy who could figure out how to fix almost anything, died September 1, 2023. Born in Lansing, MI to Winston and Dianne (Howard) Johnson, he attended Charlotte Schools and as a teenager he was a very successful motorcycle racer. Very artistic in many ways, it showed in things that he enjoyed like woodworking and drawing. With a mind for fixing things, it was no surprise that he enjoyed construction, operating a forklift and construction equipment, and iron work as jobs, and the harder the work the more he liked it. Bradley also enjoyed doing landscaping work for his family.

Bradley is survived by his son, Gage Johnson; parents, Winston and Dianne Johnson; sister, Barbara (Scott) Werner; aunts and uncles, Gerry and Deanna Becktel, Larry and Christine Johnson Reynolds; Yvonne Roll, Bill (Barb) Howard, Ron (Jamie) Howard; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marion and Clayton Johnson and Leona and Donald Howard; and uncles Gregory Johnson and Gary Roll.

Friends are encouraged to support Bradley’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Gilbert “Gil” Gale Bishop, a WWII Veteran and a man always available to help whenever and wherever needed, passed away at his home in Charlotte, MI, on September 3, 2023, at the age of 96. Gil was born on January 1, 1927, at home in Macedonia, Illinois. This New Year’s bundle brought great joy to his parents Orlie and Nancy (Anna Roberson) Bishop. Gilbert was the third of five children born into this loving home. Serving in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1947, Gil lived onboard the USS Albany, the USS Dayton and the USS Missouri, faithfully developing a reputation for being diligent, dependable and pouring his heart and soul into every task.

After his return from the Navy, he worked in many occupations before working at the Owens Illinois Glass Plant in Streator, IL. On April 15, 1961, Gil married Marjorie and together they raised four children. In 1963, Gil and his family moved to Charlotte, MI when he transferred to the O-I Glass Plant here. Shifting careers again Gil become a carpenter for the Local Union #1449 where he worked for 24 years before retiring after a successful career. Always an active man, Gil found time for being a member of the American Legion Post #42 of Charlotte, MI, a Charter Member of The Charlotte Eagles Aerie #3552 and The Moose Lodge #2565.
During his younger life, Gil was once an award-winning archer, and he also enjoyed billiards and bowling. Fishing was his passion, with trips to Canada with friends, or fishing with his grandsons. He also loved hunting, going to deer camp every year. A highlight for Gil was a hunting and fishing trip to Alaska one year. Travel to Las Vegas with his wife Marjorie was also part of his yearly itinerary. His games of choice were Texas Hold ‘Em and Euchre. Gil’s journey through life was marked by hard work, dedication to country, family and friends, a love for the outdoors, and a talent for being a warm and welcoming gentleman to all he met. Rest easy Dad, you’re finally pain free we love you, until we meet again.

Gilbert Gale Bishop is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marjorie; children, Deborah (Foy) Davis of Laingsburg, MI, Donald (Pansy) McMeen of Charlotte, MI, Douglas (Regi) Bishop of Charlotte, MI, and Sherry (Steven) Wythe of Eaton Rapids, MI; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and brother, Robert (Sandy Hubbell) Bishop of Missouri; sisters-in-law, Norma Noble of Lansing, Mi, Helen Noble of Las Vegas, NV and Beverly Meyer of Minonk, IL. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Cuma Page; brother, Jesse Bishop; son-in-law, Shane Copher; grandsons, David D. Rosenbrook Jr., and Nickolas S. Bishop.

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Funeral Services:

Fred Loren King, age 95, of Charlotte passed away doing what he knew best, working. Fred was born April 2, 1928, in Jonesboro, Illinois the son of Nathaniel and Myrtle (Pender) King. Fred grew up during the depression and soon established an unbeatable work ethic. He began working on the family farm at age six hauling wood and doing chores. At the ripe old age of nine years old he got his first job off the family farm at a local sawmill hauling sawdust. Fred would tell that in those days everyone worked doing whatever they could to help earn a living for their family. On June 29, 1949, he married Norma Jean McLane in Jonesboro, Illinois. Fred worked the majority of his life as a maintenance/boiler engineer at Charlotte Public School. He was one of the founding members of the Eaton County Educational Credit Union, which started at the old Charlotte High Schools. He was a devoted Christian and founding member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Fred is survived by his children, Brenda (King) Thomas of Flint, Darlene (Tim) Leever of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Fred King of Charlotte; grandchildren: Jason (Arlene) King, Steven (Stephanie) King, Destiny (James) Forward, Joshua King, Elizabeth (Chuck) Eagan; 8 great grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Elkins, Ruth Spiller; sister-in-law, Tia King; brother-in-law Henry (Vicki) McLane; sisters-in-law Pat Parrent and Clara Dobbs; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma; grandson, Caleb King; daughter-in-law, Shirley King; siblings: Roy (Myrtle) King, Betty King, Geneva (Walter) Jackson, Richard King; and brother-in-law, Raymond (Geraldine) McLane.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Potter officiating. Burial took place at West Carmel Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Fred’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church, 825 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Fred’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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M. Douglas Burkhead, age 89, passed away at his home in Ft. Myers, Florida in the early morning hours on Saturday, September 2, 2023. He was born August 8, 1934, in Battle Creek the son of M. Donald and Irma (Irish) Burkhead. Doug grew up in Charlotte and Olivet. He went on to graduate high school from St. John’s Military Academy in 1952. After high school he attended Olivet College and Worsham College where he obtained his degree in mortuary science. On June 16, 1956, he married Marguerite Louise Green at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. Doug and his family proudly served the Olivet and Charlotte communities for many years. The Burkhead Funeral Home was established in Olivet in 1909, by Maurice D. Burkhead, who was Doug’s grandfather. Originally it operated as a furniture business/funeral home. They also operated an ambulance service out of the funeral home. In January of 1968, Doug purchased the business from his father. He along with his wife Marguerite operated the funeral home until 1980. Doug also proudly served as the Eaton County Coroner for several terms as did his father before him. He was also a volunteer on the Charlotte Fire Department, served with the Charlotte Rotary Club, and the Shriners for many years. Doug loved his family with a deep devotion and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters, Sabrina (Kurt Feikert) Burkhead of Traverse City, MI, Lizabeth (Michael Schaefer) Riebow of Traverse City, MI, Danielle (Kevin) Kenworthy of Fort Myers, Florida; son-in-law, Barry Riebow; grandchildren, Spencer (Ashley) Riebow, Taylor (Alex) Favreau, Kailee Kenworthy, Kasside Kenworthy, Keaton Kenworthy; great grandchildren, Lucy Riebow, Etta Favreau; brother-in-law, Charley (LeAnn) Green of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Susan Carpenter of Whitehall; sister, Jean (Allen) Fine of Florida; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Margueritte.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home at Millerburg Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Doug’s memory to the Charlotte Fire Department, 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave your condolences for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Dianne Kay (Howard) Johnson of Charlotte passed away September 4, 2023, at the age of 78. She fought a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease and lived out her final days at home with the care of family and special friends from Residential Home Hospice Care. Dianne was born August 22, 1945, in Charlotte to Donald and Leona (Royston) Howard, and graduated from Charlotte High School. In 1964 she married Winston Johnson and together they embarked on many amazing adventures.

Growing up a farmer’s daughter, Dianne was very proud to be able to work in the Michigan Lottery office for 35 years. She and her husband enjoyed many trips on their touring motorcycle and pulling a camper. They also enjoyed motorcycle races and other venues. With a beautiful flower garden, there was always lots to keep her busy at home as well, but she always found time for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the champion peanut butter fudge maker for all special parties, whether it was at home or at work.

Dianne will be remembered as a very giving and loving wife and mother. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Winston; daughter, Barbara (Scott) Werner; grandchildren, Justin, Austin, and Gage; and great-grandchildren, Linkin, Triton, Sophia, Emmet, Ellie, and Aiden; siblings, Yvonne Roll, Ron (Jamie) Howard, Bill (Barb) Howard; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerry (Deanna) Becktel, and Larry (Christine) Johnson Reynolds; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Bradley Johnson; her parents; and brothers-in-law, Gary Roll, and Gregory Johnson.

Friends are encouraged to support Dianne’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Dementia Society of America or the American Parkinson Disease Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Danford Murray Byrens Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 27 at the home of his daughter Sue who lovingly cared for both Dan and his wife, Emily, for nearly two years. Dan was born on November 13, 1932, in Buffalo, New York, to his parents, Gladys Evelyn Wade Byrens and Danford Murray Byrens, Sr.

His was an athletic family with both his parents working as gym teachers and coaches and his brother David excelled in several sports. Dan generally pursued other interests, but he was, at one point, the backstroke champion of his school. He also achieved the lifelong goal of obtaining his pilot’s license in the mid 1970’s.

Dan lived his life surrounded by music, a love that he shared with his late wife, Emily Frances Hills Byrens who passed away Christmas Day, 2022. He started taking organ lessons in high school and obtained an undergraduate degree in Organ Performance from Oberlin College in 1954. He then moved to New York City where he attended Union Theological Seminary and met his future wife, Emily. Both received their Master of Music degrees in Sacred Music.

Dan is survived by his brother, David and Paula Byrens of Oakland, California, seven children: Margaret and Kent Kuiper of Bellevue, Dr. David and Kim Byrens of Marshall, Dan and Kim Byrens of Duck Lake, Robert Byrens and Jerome Nickels of Grand Rapids, Steve and Sonia Byrens of Marshall, Sue and Mike Wilson of Marshall, and Tracy Byrens of Hampton, Virginia. Dan and Emily found tremendous joy in their extended family of 32 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Dan and Emily shared their musical talents with many church congregations around the country including Olivet Congregational Church, The First Congregational Church of Battle Creek, Saint Thomas Episcopal Church of Battle Creek, Trinity Episcopal Church of Marshall, as well as churches in Tennessee and Alabama.

Dan was a much-beloved professor at both Kalamazoo and Olivet Colleges, where he directed choral ensembles as well as teaching organ, music history and theory. He and Emily also led vocal student ensembles that performed in various churches throughout Europe. After retiring from Olivet College, they accepted positions at Silliman University in the Philippines where they taught sacred music. Upon returning to the states, they relocated to the Uplands Retirement Community in Tennessee. There, they continued their legacy of performing sacred music in the Congregational Church, as well as conducting and playing for both church and community choirs. They eventually returned to Marshall to be near family.

Dan was a gifted yet humble man, a gentle soul and a servant leader who was admired by many and deeply loved by his family, friends and students. Dan’s family will hold a private celebration at a later date. If you feel moved to honor his memory, please make a contribution to The University of Olivet in his name.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.

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Funeral Services:

Frederick “Fred” Dale Bannister of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on August 30, 2023, at the age of 80. Fred was born on July 4, 1943, in Seymour, Indiana. He was the son of Lloyd and Evelyn “Ellin” (né Engel) Bannister. He and his younger brothers were raised at the VFW Home in Eaton Rapids. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1961, then extended his education through a trade school to become a mechanical engineer.

Fred began his professional journey with Ream Manufacturing, later joining Gilbert Commonwealth; ultimately concluding his career in 2010 as an engineer with the Board of Water and Light. He traveled to various states throughout his career, and even lived in Egypt for a few months.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Fred was known for his vibrant social spirit. He relished the camaraderie of his friends over morning coffee at McDonald’s. He was an enthusiastic golfer, and also found joy in fishing during his leisurely moments. He loved visits from his family on the weekends.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers Sam and Lloyd Bannister, and his sister, Nettie Bannister.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Josephine “Jo” Bannister; his sons and their wives, Fred (Jr.) and Lisa Bannister, Craig and Dawn Bannister; and his daughter and her husband, Cathy and Craig McManus; as well as his grandchildren Craig Bannister, Jr., Cassie and husband Brandon Wheeler, Caroline McManus, Carmella McManus, Nathan Bannister, Justin Bannister; and great grandchildren, Jonathan and Michael Wheeler. He is also survived by one brother, Kenny Bannister and his wife Dede.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date, for information contact Jo Bannister. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Wanda Ann Higdon of Eaton Rapids passed away September 1, 2023, at the age of 80. Wanda was born in Carson City, MI, June 9, 1943, to Roy S. and Vera M. (Bohen) Lauer. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Carson City in 1961. Wanda was a member of and worked as the church secretary for the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids for 15 years, sending out the thank you notes for donations. She was a Friend of the Library member and was treasurer for two years. Wanda enjoyed traveling, reading and gardening.

Wanda is survived by her children, Christine (Danny) Olson-DeLaVergne of Fowlerville, Mark Higdon of Dimondale, and Greg (Ann) Higdon of Columbia, TN; grandchildren, Madeleine, Olivia, and Grant; brothers, William (Shelba) Lauer of Perrinton and John (Carol) Lauer of Alma; sister, Rosemary Bernard of FL. She was preceded in death by, parents and brother, Leon Lauer.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Visitation was Friday, September 8, from 6-8 p.m. and the hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or the Eaton Rapids Library, 220 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 in memory of Wanda. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.