Kermit Denton

Mr. Kermit Denton, age 82, of Bellevue, Mich., passed away Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Rose Arbor Hospice, in Kalamazoo, Mich.
Kermit was born in Dayton, Tenn. on December 4, 1938, a son of the late Wilma (Purser) and Ernest Denton. He attended local schools, graduating from Rhea County High School in 1956.  The day after graduating high school, the family began the process of relocating to Bellevue, Mich., where Kermit’s father built the family’s new home.
On July 15, 1961, Kermit married Bettie Webb.  Later the couple purchased Kermit’s childhood home, and raised their family together in the Bellevue area.
Kermit began his working career as a Valve Grinder at Eaton’s Manufacturing in Battle Creek until the company closed. He continued his career as a mechanic with Clark Equipment in Coldwater, where he worked faithfully for over 15 years.  Kermit spent a short time employed at the Bellevue Hardware, before retiring in 2000.
During his spare time Kermit enjoyed raccoon hunting with many of his good friends,  and, over the years, he held various offices, including serving as the president of the Wolverine State Coon Hunters Club where he was a lifetime member.
Kermit and Bettie loved watching their grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports, and rarely ever missed a game. After retiring, the couple enjoyed traveling and spent countless hours traversing the United States. It was not uncommon for them to load up the pickup truck and simply start driving with no particular direction or destination.  One particular trip to the Western United States, Kermit and Bettie covered over 9,000 miles in three weeks.
When they were not traveling, Kermit enjoyed spending time on the water fishing. Bettie would often join him, packing a lunch and a good book, so the couple could enjoy time together on the water.
Kermit and Bettie enjoyed a beautiful Christian faith and heritage which they passed to their children. The couple have been faithful members of Nashville Baptist Church where they have attended for over 41 years. Their church family and fellowship was always something they cherished and enjoyed.
Kermit is survived by his beloved children, Lisa (Bill) Hartman, sons Lynn (Lori) Denton, Larry (Denise) Denton; sisters-in-law, Joyce Randall, Jill Webb and Judy Denton;  brothers-in-law, Gary (Judy) Webb, and Gilbert Douglas;  eight grandchildren;13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bettie.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, Mich. with Pastors Lester DeGroot and Deano Lamphere officiating.
The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the memorial service, beginning at 1 p.m., until service time.
Memorial contributions can be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of America or a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements have been made through the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit their web site at danielsfuneralhome.net.